Brazil: Small aircraft crash reported in Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul, Dec. 22

Emergency crews are responding to a crash involving a small plane in Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul, on Dec. 22. The aircraft, likely a charter plane, was reportedly traveling from Canela, likely nearby Canela Airport (CEL), to Florianopolis, likely Florianopolis-Hercilio Luz International Airport (FLN) when it crashed into commercial buildings around 10:00 with 10 passengers onboard; casualties are unconfirmed but likely. Authorities have closed the area near the crash site.

Heightened security and disruptions to transport and business will likely affect the vicinity of the crash site over the coming hours. Rod closures are likely in the vicinity of the crash. Casualty numbers will likely increase in the coming hours.

Gramado is located about 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Port Alegre.