At Least Eight Dead in Hot Air Balloon Accident in Southern Brazil
Santa Catarina, June 21, 2025 – A sightseeing hot-air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire mid-air and crashed into a rural area near Praia Grande, in Brazil’s southern state of Santa Catarina. The fiery accident led to the deaths of at least eight people, with thirteen others wounded and rushed to nearby hospitals, according to local authorities .
The balloon, operated by licensed tour company Sobrevoar, was en route during a festive morning as part of June celebrations honoring Catholic saints, notably Saint John . Video footage shared by local outlets like G1 showed the balloon engulfed in flames, with passengers desperately jumping from the burning wicker basket as it plummeted to earth .
According to Santa Catarina civil police chief Ulisses Gabriel, three victims were found embracing each other, and others caught fire in the basket before it fell . The pilot, one of the 13 survivors, reported that a reserve blowtorch inside the basket likely ignited the blaze. He attempted an emergency descent and urged passengers to jump when the balloon descended close enough to the ground .
Tragically, some passengers were unable to escape. Investigators now believe four people died from burns, and four others perished in the fall .
Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello expressed his shock on social media platform X and pledged full support for victims' families, with rescue and medical teams dispatched immediately .
This marks the second hot-air balloon tragedy in Brazil within a week. The previous incident in São Paulo resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries . A formal investigation into the safety procedures and circumstances surrounding this fatal flight has now been launched.
This harrowing incident casts a spotlight on the risks associated with tourism-focused hot-air ballooning, especially during seasonal festivities. As Brazilian authorities work to determine the full cause, families, survivors, and local communities continue to grieve
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Total Comments: 2
So sad
What an Incident