Two people have died after a plane crashed into a bus in Sao Paulo, Brazil while attempting an emergency landing.
The incident occurred at around 7.20am local time on the Avenida Marques de Sao Vicente in Barra Funda, sparking a huge fire.
The small King Air F90 was attempting an emergency landing when it smashed into the ground.
The plane crashed just five minutes after taking off from Campo de Marte.
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RT Brazil reports that two bodies were found inside the plane “while a motorcyclist and the bus driver were injured, the Fire Department detailed”.
The fire department told local media that the 732 bus from the Santa Brigida bus company, had no passengers on board at the time of the crash.
They added that there were no victims on the ground.
Devastating images show the plane smashed into several pieces in a ball of flames on the road as firefighters fought to put out the flames.
Brazillian officials have yet to make a statement, however experts from JetAV said: “The King Air F90 can accomodate up to eight passengers, although it is more commonly configured for six passengers, with four seats arranged in a club, one seat across from the door, and a belted lavatory seat.”
“The King Air F90 is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney PT6A-135 turboprop engines flat-rated to 750shp each, driving a pair of four-blade, full-feathering constant speed propellers. Inspection interval on the engines is 3,600 hours.”
The plane was reportedly heading to the city of Porto Alegre before the crash.
According to outlet Globo, witness João Lucas da Silva Amaral said he saw the plane hit a tree.
He said: “When it hit the ground, it exploded and we ran.”
Another witness described a fireball forming after impact, saying: “I was going to take the access to Avenida Sumaré and was going to take the return, when suddenly the plane came down the avenue and I just saw everything flying and the fireball.”
“It exploded immediately. Everyone was paralyzed. The plane was ripping up palm trees and signs. It went by very quickly.”
The Police and the Brazilian Air Force have launched an investigation into the crash.
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The Police and the Brazilian Air Force have launched an investigation into the crash.
Guilherme Derrite, The Secretary of Public Security of Sao Paulo, revealed several teams had been deployed in response to the fire.
He said: “Our teams are working on the crash of a twin-engine plane on Av. Marques de Sao Vicente, in Sao Paulo. The Fire Department controlled the flames.
“Teams from the Military Police, Civil Police and Technical-Scientific Police are also supporting the incident.”
More to follow…