Deadly Hot Air Balloon Tragedy Strikes Southern Brazil
A hot air balloon caught fire and crashed in southern Brazil on a recent Saturday morning, resulting in at least eight fatalities. The incident occurred near Praia Grande, a popular hot air ballooning destination in the state of Santa Catarina.
The multi-colored balloon was carrying 21 people, including the pilot, when the fire ignited in the basket while airborne, according to officials. Thirteen individuals survived the tragic crash, including the pilot, and were transported to hospitals for treatment.
How the Disaster Unfolded
Eyewitnesses and authorities described a harrowing sequence of events. Video footage captured the balloon thousands of feet in the air as thick smoke and flames billowed from the basket.
Based on the pilot’s account, upon detecting the fire, he attempted an emergency descent. As the balloon neared the ground, the pilot reportedly instructed passengers to jump out. Some individuals did manage to jump. However, with the sudden reduction in weight, the burning balloon briefly ascended again before ultimately losing its suspension and falling to the ground.
Lieutenant Colonel Zevir Cipriano Jr. of Santa Catarina’s military fire brigade detailed the fatalities: four victims were found charred inside the wreckage of the basket, while the other four reportedly perished after jumping from the balloon as it was falling or ascending after the initial jumps. Police Chief Ulisses Gabriel described the scene as one that “hurts the soul,” noting that three of the victims were found holding onto each other.
Survivors, some reportedly covered in mud and in shock, were quickly attended to by rescue teams. While the full extent of injuries wasn’t immediately available, officials at one local hospital reported treating five survivors, with three in stable condition and two already discharged.
Response and Investigation
Governor Jorginho Mello of Santa Catarina state expressed shock and sorrow over the “tragedy,” confirming the death toll and stating he had deployed the “entire state structure” to the site for rescue efforts, victim assistance, and family support. He vowed a full investigation into the cause.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva offered his solidarity with the victims’ families and pledged federal government resources to assist with rescue operations and support for those affected, working in collaboration with state and municipal forces.
The hot air balloon was operated by a company named Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos. The company issued a statement expressing deep pain over the tragedy and announced the indefinite suspension of all operations. Sobrevoar asserted that it complied with all regulations set by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) and had no prior accident history, stating that despite the pilot’s extensive experience and adherence to recommended procedures, they were suffering from the outcome.
Authorities, including Anac and Brazil’s Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA), are involved in investigating the incident, examining the wreckage and evaluating the condition of the aircraft and crew.
Context of Recent Incidents
Praia Grande is renowned for its dramatic canyon landscapes and is a popular destination for hot air ballooning, often referred to as the “Brazilian Cappadocia,” with many daily flights taking place, particularly during June festivities.
Tragically, this incident is the third involving a hot air balloon in Brazil in less than a week. The previous Sunday, a fatal crash in São Paulo state killed one person and injured eleven. Days later, another balloon fell on the coast of São Paulo, though without causing serious damage or injuries.
The victims of Saturday’s crash included couples, a mother and daughter, an ophthalmologist, and a figure skater, highlighting the diverse group who embarked on what was planned as a 45-minute flight reaching an altitude of around 3,280 feet, costing approximately $100 per passenger.
This remains a developing story as investigations continue.
