Sao Paulo Fire

On May 20, 2008, a massive building fire in the Brazillian capital of Sao Paulo prompted fears that a plane had crashed into the structure. Television footage showed thick, black smoke billowing over the city.

Initial reports from the Brazillian television network Globo TV said a Pantanal Linhas Aereas plane had gone down near the airport. The airline said it had not lost any planes, and the story was later retracted.

Fast Facts

1. Initial reports said plane crashed into building
2. Building located in heavily populated Moema neighborhood
3. No reports of any injuries
4. Sao Paulo: Brazil's largest city

Quote

"The fire appears to have been caused by a leaky gas pipe in a mattress shop on the ground floor. The building was evacuated quickly, and there are no reports of dead or injured."— Sao Paulo Fire Department spokesman

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