Tragedy Strikes Congonhas Airport in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sadly, it is the country's second major air disaster in less than a year.

Congonhas Airport in Sao Paulo, Brazil Ulrich Hoppe

(SAO PAULO) - Tragedy rained from the sky in Brazil Tuesday when an airliner crashed and exploded in flames at the country's most busy airport. It was feared that as many as 200 passengers died in the disaster.

A Brazilian state Governor, Jose Serra of Sao Paulo was among the 176 people aboard the plane, an Airbus A320.

More casualties were reported on the ground. It is feared that several may have perished, and that the number could top 200 according to Reuters. There were six crew members on the Airbus, which belonged to top rated Brazilian airline TAM Linhas Aereas.

Witnesses say the plane that was inbound from Porto Alegre in southern Brazil, skidded off the runway slick with water from recent rains. The plane reportedly then flew over a busy roadway and smashed into a gas station and cargo terminal which was staffed with workers.

Television images show the plane's tail sticking out from the cargo terminal in flames as firefighters tried to put out the blaze. Brazilian news agencies report that at least seven people are being treated in area hospitals for burns and other injuries.

A man getting gas at the station that was struck by the airplane, says it came spinning and passed over their heads at the level of the street lights. They reported hearing the engine noise getting louder and the plane drew closer. They say that when the Airbus hit the ground, it exploded sending pieces of the aircraft all around.

It is the country's second major air disaster in less than a year. Earlier in 2007, Brazilian officials tried to ban wide-bodied jets from the airport. They said they feared that one could skid off the short landing strips.