Shivangi Sinha
While the crash of Flight JJ3054 was one of the most devastating aviation disasters in Brazil’s history, it also revealed the courage and swift action of many first responders who rushed to the scene to help. Among them was Henguel Pereira, who was serving as the Major of the Fire Department in São Paulo, Brazil, at the time. In Netflix’s ‘A Tragedy Foretold: Flight 3054,’ Pereira recounts his harrowing experience on the ground and shares vivid details of his role in the rescue efforts. He particularly mentioned how he managed to help two men escape from the burning building, saving their lives in the chaos.
Henguel Pereira Was One of the First Responders at the Plane Crash Site
Henguel Ricardo Pereira vividly recalled the events of July 17, 2007, when Flight JJ3054 crashed. As one of the first responders on the scene, the first thing that struck him was a massive fireball, which was so blindingly bright that he described it as looking like the sun. At that moment, the airplane itself was completely obscured by flames. When he arrived at the TAM Express building, he immediately noticed fuel scattered everywhere, which confirmed his fear that it was indeed a crashed flight. Realizing the scale of the disaster, he quickly called for reinforcements. But the conditions were extreme.
It was so hot that the water they sprayed evaporated before it could reach the flames. As the building burned, people trapped inside began to jump out in desperation. That’s when Pereira spotted two men, Paulo Zani and his friend Wanderlei Silva, breaking a window and preparing to leap to safety. Henguel immediately yelled for them to stop and called for a ladder. He tried to climb toward them himself, but the searing heat made it impossible. His fingers began to burn the moment they touched the glass. Realizing he couldn’t reach them alone, Henguel spotted a firetruck arriving and, without hesitation, leaped onto the passenger side and directed the driver straight to the building.
Standing atop the extended ladder attached to the truck, Henguel reached the men just in time and pulled them both to safety. It was a moment of extraordinary bravery in the midst of unimaginable chaos. That same day, Henguel also played a key role in containing the raging fire. He coordinated teams, managed water pressure, and helped create access paths through the burning wreckage. His calm leadership and resolve helped save lives and stabilize an otherwise overwhelming situation.
Henguel Pereira Holds Many Important Positions Within the Government Today
Henguel Ricardo Pereira, who is a colonel now, holds significant positions in public service, showcasing his expertise in managing emergency responses and civil defense. In 2019, he was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Casa Mi. He did exceptionally well in his role, and since 2022, he has also been appointed as the Chief Secretary of the Military Household. He works closely with top-level government officials, coordinating essential operations and ensuring the safety of public institutions. His role also involves making strategic decisions that are crucial in times of crisis, utilizing his extensive knowledge in disaster management and response.
Since 2022, Henguel has also been serving as the State Coordinator of Civil Defense and Protection. He is responsible for overseeing disaster preparedness and response strategies for the entire state. His leadership in this role is pivotal in creating comprehensive plans to safeguard citizens from natural and man-made disasters. As President of CONGEPDEC (National Coordination of State Civil Protection), Henguel has contributed to the development of national policies and frameworks designed to protect the population during critical events. His career reflects a strong commitment to public service, crisis management, and the safety of both individuals and communities.
Henguel Pereira Often Participates in Initiatives to Improve Government Efficiency
Henguel Ricardo Pereira has been at the forefront of major crises in Brazil and has taken an active role in managing and overseeing emergency responses. His commitment to public safety has been demonstrated across a range of significant incidents. In 2022, when the VoePass airline flight tragically crashed, Henguel made himself accountable to the public, ensuring transparency and clarity in the response efforts. More recently, in February 2025, he was instrumental in managing the aftermath of a small plane crash that collided with a bus on a busy road, a situation that demanded immediate coordination and quick action to mitigate further risk.
In addition to these critical events, Henguel’s leadership has been acknowledged through various honors. In April 2025, he was awarded the Brazilian Army Medal, recognizing his exceptional service and commitment to the safety and well-being of his country. He also received the Military House Medal from the Government of the State of Rondônia for his continued contributions to public service and civil defense. His expertise in crisis management has also been evident in his proactive role in planning and leading large-scale operations, such as the preparations for Operation SP Sem Fogo 2025, aimed at addressing fire-related emergencies in São Paulo.
Henguel has also been a significant participant in various conferences and panels aimed at supporting affected communities and furthering knowledge on civil defense and environmental crises. These include his involvement in the 1st Civil Defense State Congress of Amapá, where he shared his expertise on disaster response. His participation in the CPAM 2024: Pan-American Conference on Meteorology included discussions centered around the intersection of weather patterns and emergency management. Furthermore, he contributed to panels organized by the Secretariat of Environment, Infrastructure, and Logistics of the State of São Paulo, supporting the victims and aiding the reconstruction of São Sebastião after it was struck by a natural disaster. Through these efforts, Henguel has continually demonstrated his dedication to safeguarding lives and fostering recovery in times of crisis.
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