A plane crashed on a major avenue in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo on Friday, hitting a bus and exploding, resulting in two deaths and six injuries, according to authorities. The small plane fell in the western part of the city at 07:20. It had taken off from the Campo de Marte airport, which handles domestic flights, and was headed to Porto Alegre in the south.
The plane moved hundreds of meters after falling and then exploded. The pilot and the only passenger on board died, according to Sao Paulo Fire Chief Ronaldo Melo. Before exploding, the plane hit a bus that was traveling on the busy avenue, causing the vehicle to catch fire as well. The passengers on the bus were able to escape, and six of them were injured, Melo added. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control.
Aerial images shown on local television displayed a large column of smoke rising from the burning aircraft. The plane was a King Air F90 model, which can carry up to eight people, according to the Brazilian Air Force Research Agency, CENPA. It is still unclear whether the plane attempted to make an emergency landing or crashed onto the avenue intentionally.
Investigations are ongoing, with researchers gathering information, taking photos, and interviewing witnesses to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident, Melo said.
This was the accident in San Pablo Brazil. A plane falls on an avenue. pic.twitter.com/bxoswk9sdu
– Sebas early (@sebastmpone) February 7, 2025
The accident has drawn significant attention, with many taking to social media to share information and updates.
We expand | A plane crashed into a collective on a Avenida de San Pablo: there are at least two dead.
That’s how everything washttps://t.co/p2hvdk5dsa pic.twitter.com/c7jvx7ystj– TN – All news (@todonoticias) February 7, 2025
This report includes information from AFP.