Private plane in Brazil crashes into building, killing all 10 people on board

On December 22, 2024, a private Piper PA-42-1000 aircraft, piloted by businessman Luís Cláudio Galeazzi, crashed shortly after takeoff in the Brazilian city of Gramado, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.

According to preliminary reports, there were 10 people onboard— the pilot himself and nine members of his family. Tragically, all of them perished.

The aircraft, en route to Jundiaí in São Paulo state, collided with a building's chimney, then a residence, and finally a furniture store. The National Civil Defense in Rio Grande do Sul reported that at least 17 people were injured, with 12 hospitalized and two in critical condition.

The causes of the crash remain unknown; the investigation is being conducted by the Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (Cenipa). Eduardo Leite, Governor of Rio Grande do Sul, noted that the aircraft took off under unfavorable weather conditions.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences and affirmed the federal government's readiness to assist in investigating the causes of the tragedy.

“My condolences to the families of the victims of the plane crash in the center of Gramado, in Rio Grande do Sul. I hope that the injured have a speedy recovery. The Air Force is investigating the causes of the accident and the federal government is at the disposal of the state government and local authorities to clarify the situation as soon as possible,” says Brazilian President in X publication.

Earlier it was reported that President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had been discharged from hospital on December 15 after undergoing surgery to stop a brain bleed.