Tragedy in the Skies: Hot-Air Balloon Fire Kills 8 in Southern Brazil
PRAIA GRANDE, Brazil — A scenic hot-air balloon ride turned deadly Saturday when the aircraft caught fire mid-flight and plunged to the ground in southern Brazil’s Santa Catarina state, killing eight people and injuring 13 others, authorities confirmed.
Horrific Scene Unfolds
Eyewitness footage captured the terrifying moments:
🔥 Thick black smoke pouring from the burning balloon as it spiraled downward
👥 Two passengers seen falling through the air as flames engulfed the basket
💔 Three victims died “hugging each other,” according to police chief Ulisses Gabriel
The balloon was carrying 21 people, including the pilot, during what was supposed to be a 45-minute tourist flight reaching 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) altitude.
Survivors’ Harrowing Escape
The pilot, who survived, reported:
⚠️ Fire broke out inside the basket mid-flight
⚠️ Ordered passengers to jump as he attempted an emergency descent
⚠️ Some couldn’t escape before the inferno intensified
“Those who didn’t jump in time perished when the balloon crashed,” said local police chief Tiago Luiz Lemos. Thirteen survivors were rushed to area hospitals with varying injuries.
Community in Mourning
Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello declared official mourning:
• Deployed emergency teams to assist victims’ families
• Promised full investigation into the tragedy
• Called it “a pain that wounds the soul”
The accident occurred in Praia Grande, a popular ballooning destination during traditional June festivals celebrating Catholic saints like St. John.
Recent Balloon Safety Concerns
This marks Brazil’s second deadly balloon incident in a week:
• June 23: 1 killed, 11 injured in São Paulo state crash
• Ongoing questions about safety regulations for commercial balloon operations
Each passenger paid approximately $100 for the doomed flight. Authorities are examining maintenance records and operator protocols as part of their investigation.
