The sky over Rio de Janeiro froze this afternoon as a fiery red fire engulfed the private plane carrying football legend Ronaldinho. The explosion in the Barra da Tijuca suburbs was so loud that locals thought it was an earthquake. Burning metal fragments scattered across the dry grass fields, creating a scene of breathtaking devastation.
Witnesses said they saw the small plane lurching before crashing to the ground, creating a giant fireball. Police and firefighters arrived within minutes, but all efforts were in vain — “No one was found alive,” a shaken rescue worker said.
O Globo quoted an investigating officer as saying: “Ronaldinho was identified through personal belongings left near the cockpit.” The scene was completely sealed off as hundreds of fans poured in, sobbing silently, holding up signs reading “#PrayForRonaldinho.”
According to initial reports, the plane experienced technical problems just minutes after takeoff. The pilot sent a distress call, but lost contact shortly after. Radar data showed the plane turning back toward the runway, but did not make it to land.
Rescuers described the scene as hellish: billowing black smoke, the smell of burning fuel, sirens blaring throughout the residential area. “We saw soccer shoes lying in the ashes… everyone was crying,” a witness said, choking up.
São Lucas Hospital confirmed that it had not received any emergency cases from the crash. “All of them died on the spot,” said the head doctor on duty. Among the victims, in addition to Ronaldinho, were two close friends and the pilot.
By evening, the news had spread like wildfire on social media. Millions of fans shared pictures of Ronaldinho smiling brightly in his prime years with the caption “Eternal Smile.” Around the world, players, politicians, and fans paid their respects. Neymar wrote simply: “Unbelievable… thank you for everything, maestro.”
Brazilian federal police have opened an investigation, suspecting the plane’s engine had a technical problem due to poor fuel quality. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority is sealing off the hangar to collect the black box and flight data.
In Rio, thousands of fans gathered on Copacabana beach in the middle of the night, lighting candles and singing “Aquarela do Brasil.” The candle smoke mixed with the mist created a hazy scene, as if Ronaldinho’s spirit was smiling in the Brazilian sky.
“He was our joy,” cried a boy wearing the number 10 jersey. “No one can replace Ronaldinho.”
A national funeral is scheduled to be held at Maracanã Stadium, where Ronaldinho once brought thousands of spectators to their feet with a single touch of the ball. The entire Brazilian national team has been called back to attend the memorial service.
Rio does not sleep tonight. The city of samba and football is left with only the sound of tears and the quiet sound of guitars singing a farewell song for the greatest artist on the field.
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