A private jet crash in southern Brazil on Sunday, December 22, claimed the lives of ten members of the same family, including Luiz Claudio Galeazzi, CEO of Galeazzi & Associados. The victims also included Galeazzi’s wife, three daughters, and other relatives. Bruno Cardoso Munhoz Guimarães, a director at the firm, was also among the deceased. Galeazzi & Associados expressed profound grief in a statement, highlighting Galeazzi’s dedication to his family and career and expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support during this tragic time.
The crash occurred shortly after takeoff in Gramado, a mountain resort town, with the aircraft bound for Jundiaí near São Paulo, approximately 700 miles away. According to reports, the jet collided with a building’s chimney before crashing into a house, a furniture store, and a hotel. The devastation caused widespread shock and commotion in the area. The company confirmed its commitment to cooperating fully with investigations into the incident.
Tragic Brazil Plane Crash Claims CEO Luiz Claudio Galeazzi, Family Members, and Severely Injures Others
Seventeen individuals on the ground sustained injuries, with two reported in serious condition. Rio Grande do Sul state governor Eduardo Leite revealed that the aircraft had taken off in unfavorable weather conditions and flew for just 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) before crashing into an urban area. Eyewitness Nadia Hansen described the aircraft accelerating before hitting a building and crashing near her house, causing panic among residents.
Brazil’s Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (Cenipa) has initiated an investigation into the accident’s cause. Governor Leite emphasized the importance of understanding the circumstances surrounding the crash to prevent future tragedies. The incident has drawn widespread attention due to the loss of life and the extensive damage caused.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who recently underwent emergency brain surgery, expressed his condolences to the victims’ families in a social media post. He wished a swift recovery for the injured and assured that the federal government was ready to support local authorities in their investigation. The tragedy has left a significant impact on the community and the business world, as the loss of a prominent leader and his family resonates across Brazil.
