A tragic incident occurred on Sunday when a small aircraft crashed in a Brazilian town known for its tourism, resulting in the deaths of all ten individuals on board and injuring over a dozen more on the ground, according to Brazil’s Civil Defense Agency.
In a post shared on X, the agency reported that the aircraft collided with the chimney of a residence before crashing into the second floor of another building and ultimately landing in a mobile phone shop located in a predominantly residential area of Gramado. The ground injuries included cases of smoke inhalation, with two individuals reported to be in critical condition and requiring hospitalization.
At this time, the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
According to local news sources, the plane was piloted by Luiz Claudio Galeazzi, a 61-year-old Brazilian entrepreneur who was flying with his family to São Paulo State. His company, Galeazzi & Associados, confirmed his presence on the plane in a statement on LinkedIn, revealing that he was traveling alongside his wife, their three daughters, several family members, and another employee from the company, all of whom tragically lost their lives.
In the company’s statement, they expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and affection received from friends, colleagues, and the wider community during this painful time. They also conveyed their sympathy for those impacted by the incident in the area.
Security surveillance footage showed the small Piper aircraft leaving Canela airport in Rio Grande do Sul State just minutes before the catastrophe unfolded in Gramado, approximately 10 kilometers from the airport.
Gramado is situated in the picturesque Serra Gaucha mountains and attracts many Brazilian tourists who appreciate the area’s temperate climate, hiking opportunities, and distinctive architecture. The town, which was established during the 19th century by a significant number of German and Italian immigrants, is particularly favored as a Christmas holiday destination.
