Plane crash Brazil: Pilot and family among 10 dead as plane crashes into Gramado neighbourhood, injuring 17
Plane crash Brazil: A peaceful tourist hotspot in southern Brazil became a scene of tragedy as a small plane crashed into a residential area in Gramado, killing 10 aboard and injuring 17 on the ground.
The twin-engine Piper PA-42-1000, piloted by Luiz Claudio Galeazzi, struck two homes before crashing into a shop just moments after taking off from Canela on Sunday. Gramado, known for its picturesque streets and European-style charm, was left shaken as the accident unfolded in the heart of a residential neighbourhood.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos. “There was a deafening noise, and then flames engulfed the area,” said one resident who narrowly escaped harm. The crash shattered the quiet streets and left debris scattered across the neighbourhood.
Governor Eduardo Leite, speaking at a press conference, confirmed that Galeazzi, a prominent businessman and owner of the aircraft, perished along with nine members of his family, including his wife and three daughters. Galeazzi was the CEO of Galeazzi & Associados, a well-known consulting firm in Brazil.
Embed from Getty Images“This is a heartbreaking moment for the victims’ families and the community of Gramado,” Leite said. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to rescue injured residents, with 12 out of the 17 people hurt still being treated in local hospitals.
The plane’s crash route was devastating. First, it clipped the chimney of one house, then tore into the second floor of another before plummeting into a local shop. The impact caused significant damage, leaving some families homeless just days before Christmas.
Galeazzi & Associados paid tribute to their CEO in a statement on LinkedIn: “Luiz Galeazzi will be forever remembered for his dedication to his family and for his remarkable career as a leader of Galeazzi & Associados.”
As investigators comb through the wreckage to determine what caused the crash, questions linger about whether mechanical failure or human error was at play. Authorities have vowed to uncover the cause swiftly to provide answers to grieving families and the shaken community.
This tragedy comes as a grim reminder of the unpredictable dangers of air travel, even in the most routine circumstances. In Gramado, a town celebrated for its tranquillity and scenic charm, the shadow of this catastrophic event will likely linger long after the streets are repaired and the debris cleared.
