- By Kathryn Armstrong
- BBC News
7 hours ago
Fourteen people died in a plane crash in bad weather in the Brazilian Amazon on Saturday.
The small propeller plane was nearing the end of its 400 km (248 mile) journey between Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state, and the remote jungle town of Barcelos when it crashed.
Officials said everyone on board – 12 passengers and two crew members – died in the crash.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the incident.
Amazonas State Security Minister Vinicius Almeida said initial information suggested the plane crashed after leaving the runway in heavy rain and poor visibility while landing in Barcelos.
Brazilian news site G1 reported that the aircraft was an EMB-110, a twin-engine turboprop manufactured by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer.
According to G1, the plane’s owner, Manaus Aerotáxi, said the plane and its crew met all the necessary requirements to fly.
“Our teams have been on site since the moment of the crash providing the necessary support,” Amazon Governor Wilson Lima wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after the crash.
“My solidarity and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims.”
Barcelos Mayor Edson de Paula Rodrigues Mendes told CNN the plane was chartered by a local businessman involved in sport fishing.
Mr Mendes said the passengers were friends from other parts of Brazil who were involved in the sport.
Officials said the victims’ bodies would be taken to Manaus for formal identification.
Barcelos is a popular tourist destination as it is close to several national parks.
September is considered the start of the peak fishing season in the Amazon. The state is best known for its various species of ornamental fish such as tucunaré – also known as peacock bass.