Start of Funerals for Victims of Fatal Brazilian Plane Crash with 62 Casualties, as Questions Surrounding the Crash Persist

The pilot of the recent plane crash in Brazil, Danilo Santos Romano, was laid to rest on Monday in Sao Paulo. Romano, aged 35, was the first among the 62 victims to be buried as authorities strive to uncover the cause of the tragic incident. The funeral procession through the streets of Penha, attended by grieving family and friends, was a poignant moment for the community.

Romano, described as humble and full of life by those who knew him, had been flying the ATR 72 twin-engine turboprop for local airline Voepass. The crash, which claimed the lives of 58 passengers and four crew members, shocked many worldwide. While experts speculate about the potential role of icing on the wings leading to a loss of control, details surrounding the exact cause remain unknown.

Romano’s widow, Thalita Machado, expressed her gratitude to various individuals and groups in a letter shared at his burial. The pilot’s dedication to his profession was highlighted, with special mention of his flight partner, Humberto de Campos Alencar e Silva, as a hero who stood by him during the tragedy.

The morgue in Sao Paulo began the process of identifying victims and returning remains to their families. As families in Cascavel wait for the remains of their loved ones, officials in the city are prepared to offer support by providing a conference center for collective mourning, Mayor Leonaldo Paranhos announced.

Recovery of the plane’s flight data and cockpit audio recorders, known as the “black boxes,” is crucial to understanding the sequence of events leading to the crash. The investigation is ongoing, with the air force’s center for air accident investigation set to issue a preliminary report within 30 days. Voepass and aircraft manufacturer ATR are actively cooperating with the investigative authorities to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.