A tragic plane crash in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte has killed several people, including the son of a mayor, after a small aircraft slammed into a low-rise building in the city centre.
One of the victims has been identified as 36-year-old Fernando Moreira Souto, a veterinarian and the son of the mayor of Jequitinhonha. He was among five people onboard the aircraft when the incident occurred in southeast Brazil.
Authorities confirmed that the aircraft took off from Pampulha Airport at 12.16pm before reporting difficulties shortly after departure. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene at around 12.25pm following the crash.
The plane was seen circling the Silveira area before striking a residential building between the third and fourth floors, according to fire officials. Despite the impact, no residents inside the building were injured.
The pilot, identified as 34-year-old Wellington Oliveira, also died in the crash after becoming trapped in the wreckage. Three other passengers sustained serious injuries.
Footage from the scene showed the wreckage of the small aircraft embedded in the structure of the building, while firefighters and rescue teams worked to secure the area.
Residents described moments of panic, with one witness saying she believed “the world had ended” after hearing the impact and seeing debris fall inside the building.
City authorities in Jequitinhonha have declared three days of official mourning in honour of the victims, with condolences extended to the bereaved families.
The aircraft, an EMB-721C model built in 1979, is registered to private owner Flavio Loureiro Salgueiro.
Brazil’s aviation accident investigation agency, along with civil police and air force specialists, have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
