São Paulo, Brazil — A tragic incident unfolded on the streets of São Paulo early Tuesday when a Beech F90 King Air twin-engine aircraft crashed into a bus, resulting in two fatalities and leaving six injured. The small plane, which had taken off from Campo de Marte Airport, encountered trouble shortly after departure and crashed around 7:20 a.m. on Marquês de São Vicente Avenue in the bustling Barra Funda district.
The deceased were identified as pilot Gustavo Medeiros and the aircraft’s owner, Márcio Carpena. Both were killed instantly, with authorities stating that their bodies were badly burned in the post-crash fire.
In the moments leading up to the catastrophic event, the aircraft reportedly suffered a mechanical failure. Eyewitnesses recounted how the plane hit a tree and a road sign, losing fuel, before the fatal collision with the bus. João Lucas da Silva Amaral, an engineer who witnessed the crash, reported seeing the aircraft leaking what he believed to be kerosene. The plane then erupted in flames after striking the bus.
The impact of the crash scattered debris, injuring a motorcyclist, a bus passenger, and four pedestrians. The injured were promptly taken to two nearby hospitals for treatment, ensuring they received immediate medical attention.
Emergency response teams were quick to the scene, with 38 firefighters utilizing 14 vehicles to manage the blaze and assist the injured. The coordinated efforts of both military and civil police, along with scientific-technical units, were critical in managing the aftermath and beginning investigative procedures.
The accident caused significant disruptions in one of São Paulo’s key commercial areas, affecting traffic and nearby businesses. Service vehicles and emergency personnel filled the avenue as bystanders looked on in shock.
CCTV footage from the area captured the plane skidding down the street before colliding, missing an intersection crowded with vehicles by mere seconds. The resulting explosion sent a plume of black smoke into the air, captured dramatically on film.
São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas expressed his sorrow for the loss and confirmed that a thorough investigation was already in progress. São Paulo Mayor Ricardo Nunes echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the city’s commitment to supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time.
This incident adds to a troubling history of small aircraft accidents in Brazil, including a devastating crash last August near São Paulo in Vinhedo, which claimed 61 lives. Such repeated occurrences have raised concerns about the safety protocols and regulations governing private aircraft operations in the region.
Authorities have promised a comprehensive investigation into Tuesday’s crash, looking at all possible causes including mechanical failure and pilot error. The Brazilian Air Force, overseeing the investigation, assured the public of their commitment to transparency and rigor in uncovering the details of the tragedy.