At least eight people have been killed and 13 others injured after a hot air balloon carrying 21 individuals caught fire mid-air and crashed in southern Brazil on Saturday morning.
The incident occurred in the municipality of Praia Grande, located in the state of Santa Catarina, a popular coastal destination known for hot air ballooning, particularly during the June festivities honoring Catholic saints.
According to eyewitness footage broadcast by Brazilian television, the balloon suddenly erupted in flames while airborne. The basket, engulfed in fire, plummeted rapidly to the ground as onlookers watched in horror. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were reported to be clear.
Governor Jorginho Mello of Santa Catarina expressed his condolences on social media and confirmed that state emergency teams had been deployed to assist with rescue operations. He emphasized that the priority remains aiding survivors, transporting the injured to hospitals, and supporting grieving families.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which remains unclear. The tragedy marks Brazil’s second fatal hot air balloon accident in less than a week. Just days earlier, a woman died during a balloon ride in the state of São Paulo.
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