Hot Air Balloon Engulfed in Flames Crashes in Brazil, Leaving at Least 8 Dead

Accident at Popular Hot Air Balloon Tourist Spot in Brazil
13 Out of 21 Passengers Survive by Jumping Out

A hot air balloon carrying more than 20 people crashed after catching fire at a popular tourist destination in southern Brazil, resulting in the deaths of eight people.

A hot air balloon crash caused by a fire occurred in Brazil. Photo by X Capture

On June 22 (local time), major international media reported that at around 8 a.m. on June 21, a tourist hot air balloon crashed in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil, killing 8 out of the 21 people on board. Praia Grande is a well-known tourist spot where hot air balloon rides are popular for viewing canyon landscapes and cliffs.

When a fire broke out in the balloon’s basket during the accident, the pilot quickly began to descend and instructed the passengers to jump when the balloon was close to the ground. Thirteen people, including the pilot, managed to jump out, but the remaining eight were unable to escape. As the flames intensified, the balloon rose back into the air before losing lift and crashing to the ground.

The fire authorities stated, "As people jumped, the weight of the balloon decreased, causing it to rise again." They added, "Four of the victims died from the fire, while the other four died during the crash."

The accident was shared on social media platforms such as SNS. In videos from the scene, flames can be seen shooting up from the hot air balloon as it floats in the sky, quickly causing the balloon envelope to collapse, and soon after, the basket carrying people crashes to the ground.

The hot air balloon operator stated, "An experienced pilot followed procedures, but unfortunately could not prevent the tragedy," and announced that all operations have now been suspended indefinitely.

Jorginho Mello, Governor of Santa Catarina, Brazil, expressed his deep sorrow on his X (formerly Twitter) account over the hot air balloon crash in the Praia Grande area, stating, "We will mobilize all state resources for rescue and support for the families of the victims." President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil also offered condolences to the bereaved families and promised support at the federal level.

The survivors are currently receiving treatment in the hospital, and authorities are investigating the cause of the accident and the state of safety management based on statements from the survivors and the pilot.

Meanwhile, on June 15, another hot air balloon accident occurred in Brazil, when an illegal balloon carrying 33 people crashed in Sao Paulo, resulting in one death and 11 injuries.