Fatal plane crash in Brazil's Gramado: 10 dead, several injured as aircraft hits shops

Debris from the crash also reached a nearby inn.

A small plane with 10 people aboard crashed into shops in the center of Gramado, a popular tourist city in southern Brazil, on Sunday, leaving no survivors, according to initial reports from civil defense officials. Governor Eduardo Leite confirmed the tragic news in a post on social media platform X, stating, "Unfortunately, initial reports indicate that the aircraft's occupants did not survive."

The plane, which was traveling in the region, first struck the chimney of a building, then hit the second floor of a house before crashing into a furniture store, authorities said. Debris from the crash also reached a nearby inn. The impact caused a fire, and at least 15 people, mostly suffering from smoke inhalation, were taken to the city's hospital.

Gramado, located in the mountainous region of Rio Grande do Sul, is one of the state's most popular tourist destinations, especially during the holiday season. The city, which has been hard-hit by unprecedented floods earlier this year, was preparing for its bustling Christmas period, with decorations and festive events attracting visitors from across the country.

The crash occurred just days before Christmas, marking a somber moment for a city that had already endured significant challenges due to earlier natural disasters.

(With inputs from Reuters)