Eight fatalities and 13 injuries
Tragedy struck in Brazil when a hot air balloon caught fire and plummeted to the ground, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals.
Local officials reported that an additional 13 people, including the pilot, sustained injuries during the incident that occurred on Saturday morning in Santa Catarina, a state located in the southern region of Brazil.
Dramatic footage released by local news source G1 depicted thick smoke billowing from the burning balloon as it descended rapidly, crashing into a rural area close to a health facility.
Disturbing videos captured the moment when the balloon appeared to buckle before its descent. Reports indicated that at least one individual jumped from the balloon in an attempt to escape the flames while still airborne.
According to G1, four victims perished due to burns suffered within the basket, while another four lost their lives upon impact with the ground.
Fortunately, some survivors were promptly transported to hospitals, confirmed by Santa Catarina’s military fire brigade. The total number of passengers on board was reported to be 21, which included the pilot.
As stated by Brazilian news outlet Jornal Razao, the pilot remarked to authorities: “I’m uncertain whether it remained lit or reignited spontaneously; however, it was indeed the torch that triggered everything.”
“We are grieving. A tragedy has unfolded. We will investigate what happened and why it transpired. Currently, our priority is for state resources to provide necessary assistance,” expressed Governor Jorginho Mello in a video shared on X.
Governor Mello also stated that he had requested officials travel to assist local efforts for rescue operations and support families affected by this incident.
He added: “We will continue monitoring developments.”
Ulisses Gabriel, head of Santa Catarina’s civil police force, noted on X that three individuals died while embracing each other during the ordeal. “It deeply pains one’s soul,” he remarked.
An investigation has been initiated by authorities with findings expected to be released within 30 days. Flïvio Graff, Santa Catarina’s public safety secretary, informed reporters that testimony has been taken from the pilot and statements will also be collected from witnesses who survived.
The hot air balloon service was operated by Sobrevoar, as reported by local media outlets; they confirmed that all required licenses were held by them.
In a separate incident last Sunday in Sao Paulo state, another balloon crash resulted in one fatality—a 27-year-old woman—and injuries to 11 others according to G1.
Praia Grande is known as a popular site for hot air ballooning—an activity enjoyed particularly during June festivities honoring Catholic saints across parts of southern Brazil.
The Praia Grande City Hall extended its condolences: “The City of Praia Grande stands in solidarity with those affected by Saturday morning’s tragic balloon accident.”
In Turkey last Sunday, a hot air balloon mishap led to one pilot’s death and injuries for 19 Indonesian tourists according to local officials.
A statement from the governor’s office indicated that sudden wind changes impacted the flight path of the balloon as it attempted a difficult landing near Gozlukuyu village in Aksaray province. The pilot fell out of his basket and became entangled in ropes below him; Aksaray Governor Mehmet Ali Kumbuzoglu confirmed this unfortunate outcome while stating that injured tourists received hospital care.
