Fourteen individuals tragically lost their lives when a small jet crashed in Brazil’s northern Amazonas state on Saturday, as confirmed by the state’s governor. The accident occurred in the Barcelos province, approximately 400 km (248 miles) from the state capital, Manaus.

Governor Wilson Lima of Amazonas state expressed his deep condolences for the 12 passengers and two crew members who were victims of the plane crash in Barcelos. He acknowledged the efforts of their teams in providing necessary support and extended sympathy and prayers to the families and friends of the victims.

Manaus Aerotaxi, the airline involved, released a statement acknowledging the accident and confirming that an investigation was underway. However, the statement did not provide details regarding casualties or injuries, emphasizing the importance of respecting the privacy of those involved during this difficult time.

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The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) announced that investigators from the Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA) had been dispatched to initiate an investigation into the causes of the crash. The aircraft involved was identified as an Embraer Bandeirante with the registration PT-SOG.

Governor Lima mentioned in an interview with O Globo newspaper that the bodies of the victims had already been recovered from the aircraft and that they were Brazilian tourists. He also noted that heavy rainfall in the region could have contributed to the accident, with a likely cause being an error in the landing route taken at the time of the crash.