On Friday, a plane crash in Vinhedo, Brazil, resulted in the deaths of at least eight cancer doctors who were en route to an oncology conference.
The ATR 72 twin-engine aircraft, operated by Voepass airlines, was carrying 58 passengers and four crew members when it crashed while approaching Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos international airport.
Emergency teams have confirmed that all 62 people on board were killed, including the previously unaccounted-for individual.
An official from the Regional Medical Council verified the deaths of the eight doctors, who were on their way to the conference dedicated to cancer treatment. Eduardo Baptistella noted that these doctors were committed to saving lives.
The Uopeccan Cancer Hospital in Cascavel confirmed that two of its trainee doctors were among those who perished. Additionally, Parana state governor Ratinho Junior reported that the flight also included four professors from Unioeste university.
Rescue workers have transported the bodies of the victims—34 men and 28 women—to a police morgue in Sao Paulo for identification. The pilot and co-pilot have been identified, and efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining victims using seat assignments, physical features, documents, and personal items.
Four of the deceased had dual citizenship, including three Venezuelans and a Portuguese woman. Among the Venezuelans were a young boy, his mother, and grandmother, who were traveling with the boy’s dog.
Investigators are currently examining the aircraft’s black box to determine the cause of the crash.
