A devastating hot air balloon crash in southern Brazil has left eight people dead and 13 others injured. The incident took place on Saturday, June 21, over Praia Grande in the state of Santa Catarina—an area known for its scenic balloon rides.
What started as a serene journey quickly turned tragic when a fire ignited in the balloon’s basket mid-flight. Dramatic video footage captured the balloon ablaze as it plummeted from the sky.
Survivors recounted that the pilot, sensing the impending danger, urged passengers to jump while the balloon was still within a survivable height. Thirteen people, including the pilot, managed to leap out. However, with their weight removed, the balloon rose again—this time with eight individuals still aboard—before crashing and erupting in flames.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a backup burner inside the basket may have accidentally re-ignited. The pilot indicated this might have triggered the fire. Authorities are also looking into other contributing factors, such as strong winds during takeoff and a ground crew truck tethered to the balloon that may have caused a gas leak.
Among the victims were two couples, a mother and her daughter, a physician, and a professional figure skater. Police reported that some of the deceased were found embracing each other in their final moments.
Eyewitnesses described horrific scenes, including victims engulfed in flames and bodies scattered across a nearby pasture. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the site but cautioned bystanders to stay back due to potential gas leaks and the risk of further explosions.
The balloon company involved, Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, has suspended its services indefinitely. Brazil’s civil aviation authority has launched a comprehensive investigation, promising to release findings within 30 days.
This tragic crash is the second deadly balloon accident in Brazil in recent weeks, raising serious concerns about safety protocols in the country’s balloon tourism sector.
