São Paulo, Dec 23, (V7N)– Ten members of a single family tragically lost their lives early Sunday when a small plane crashed into a busy commercial district in Gramado, southern Brazil. The Piper Cheyenne 400 turboprop, piloted by businessman Luiz Claudio Salgueiro Galeazzi, collided with a chimney and several buildings before crashing into a furniture store, authorities confirmed.

The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from the nearby city of Canela. In addition to the ten fatalities, at least 17 people on the ground sustained injuries, with two in serious condition. Several others were treated for smoke inhalation as rescue teams worked through the wreckage."There are no survivors of the plane," said Cleber dos Santos Lima from the state civil police.

The crash caused significant damage to nearby structures, including a house, a furniture store, and an inn.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, with authorities stating that investigations could take weeks to complete.

Known for its festive Christmas season, Gramado is a popular tourist destination, which makes the tragedy all the more shocking for the local community and visitors alike.

This crash follows another devastating air disaster in August, when a twin-engine plane with 62 passengers crashed in Vinhedo, São Paulo state, marking Brazil’s deadliest air disaster in 17 years.

Adding to the grim weekend, 41 people were killed in a bus crash Saturday in Minas Gerais state, one of Brazil's deadliest road accidents in recent years.

END/WD/RH