Brazilian businessman and nine family members die in plane crash

A small plane carrying ten members of the same family, including businessman Luiz Claudio Salgueiro Galeazzi, crashed early Sunday in Gramado, southern Brazil, killing everyone on board. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Canela, leaving the city reeling during the festive season.

The aircraft, a Piper Cheyenne 400 turboprop, struck the chimney of a building and then a house before crashing into a furniture store in Gramado's commercial district. The crash also caused damage to a nearby inn.

“There are no survivors of the plane,” confirmed Cleber dos Santos Lima, a state civil police officer.

At least 17 people on the ground were injured, with two reported in serious condition. Several others were treated for smoke inhalation as rescue teams worked at the scene.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities are examining the wreckage and reviewing flight data to determine the sequence of events leading to the tragedy.

Gramado, a popular tourist destination known for its Christmas festivities, is mourning the loss as visitors and residents grapple with the disaster.

This crash follows Brazil’s worst air tragedy in 17 years, which occurred in August when a twin-engine plane carrying 62 people crashed in Vinhedo, São Paulo state, killing all on board. Additionally, a separate incident on Saturday claimed 41 lives in a bus crash in Minas Gerais state.