A blimp being rented by Brazilian side Sao Paulo FC crashed into a row of houses whilst performing a test flight.
The club had booked the airship ahead of their Copa Libertadores quarter-final clash with Botafogo on Wednesday night, with the blimp planned to circle around the stadium ahead of kick-off.
The balloon had been printed red with the Sao Paulo crest and ‘Vamos Sao Paulo’ prior to the match, but a test flight saw disaster strike.
The blimp was travelling through Carapicuiba when it crashed into a row of houses in the Osaca neighbourhood at 12.06pm, according to the local emergency services. It landed across the roofs of several homes, though it is unclear whether anyone inside the buildings were injured by the impact at this time.
The pilot was rescued from the cockpit and swiftly taken to hospital to be treated, with no one else being declared injured at this stage.
The fire service were unable to remove the blimp immediately after vowing that they would need the city’s electricity provider to turn off power in the area to ensure they could act safely.
Emergency services were forced to wait before removing the blimp (Image: X)
The Brazilian authorities are now investigating the cause of the incident, with the Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Centre being dispatched to the case.
Their statement read: “Specific techniques are used in data collection, conducted by qualified and accredited personnel who collect and confirm data, preserve the elements, perform the initial verification of damage caused to the aircraft, or by the aircraft, and gather other information necessary for the investigation.”
Sao Paulo were beaten on penalties on Wednesday night (Image: Getty)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Sao Paulo also released a statement confirming that they were renting the blimp and that they had been granted permission to fly the airship on Wednesday night.
They said: “Sao Paulo FC regrets the incident that occurred with the airship leased from Airship do Brasil Industria e Servicos Aereos SA. The company had already provided this same service to the Club during the Copa do Brasil final in 2023, without any incidents.
“The aircraft was undergoing a test this morning in preparation for the night flight, previously authorized by ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency), which was scheduled for the stadium region. The Club informs that, fortunately, there were no serious injuries and is providing all necessary support to the crew and others involved."
