Coroners Identify Charred Bodies of People Killed in Plane Crash Near Brazil Resort

SAO PAULO – Coroners on Saturday began the arduous task of identifying the badly burned corpses of 11 people killed when a twin-engine plane crashed and exploded near a coastal resort in northeastern Brazil.

The plane crashed Friday night just short of the Terravista Airport, the gateway for well-heeled guests arriving at the exclusive Terravista golf and condominium resort in the town of Trancoso, according to the state-run Agencia Brasil news agency. It said all 11 people on board were killed.

Medical examiner Antonio Carlos Batista Brito said eight "completely charred bodies" were being examined at the Porto Seguro coroner's office.

The bodies of the other victims were expected to arrive later Saturday.

Emergency workers were at the scene of the crash, according to an air force spokesman who spoke on condition of anonymity in keeping with air force policy.

The King Air model plane left a Sao Paulo airport at 6:31 p.m. and crashed at 9:13 p.m., he said. The cause was not known.

The Web site of O Estado de S. Paulo newspaper said the aircraft was carrying eight passengers and three crew members.

Trancoso and its resorts are among Brazil's most famous because of the area's pristine beaches, year-round balmy climate and luxury accommodations. The destination is a getaway for rich Brazilians and foreigners.

The Terravista complex and its golf course lie next to a Club Med resort, and the airport boasts a 4,921-foot runway that is illuminated for night landings and takeoffs, according to Terravista's Web site.