Monday, July 30, 2007

Brazil: 5000+ march over deadly air crash

While the Pan American Games came to a close in Rio de Janeiro, several thousand protestors marched in Sao Paulo (image) to commemorate the deadly TAM Flight 3054 that killed nearly 200 people. Some of those marchers blamed government incompetence for widespread air traffic problems over the past few years:

“President, leave your presidential sash on my husband's grave," read one banner. Another black banner had "Misgoverning kills" emblazoned on it in white letters.

Renata Oliveira, wearing a shirt with a picture of her father who was killed in the crash, said: "It is very sad to know that someone you loved a lot died here because of someone's irresponsible actions."

Over the weekend, newly appointed Defense Minister and head of aviation Neslon Jobim pledged to emphasize passenger safety over secondary concerns such as comfort. In addition, a Brazilian news magazine alleged that pilot error was to blame for the accident.

Sources- BBC News, CNN, The Latin Americanist, Malaysia Star, USA TODAY, news.com.au

Image- BBC News

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