A horrific hot air balloon tragedy unfolded in southern Brazil on Saturday, June 21, 2025, claiming the lives of eight people after the aircraft caught fire and plummeted to the ground. The incident occurred around 8 a.m. local time in the municipality of Praia Grande, located in the state of Santa Catarina.
The balloon was carrying a total of 21 people, including the pilot, when flames erupted in the basket while airborne. Witnesses captured shocking footage and social media videos showing thick smoke billowing from the balloon as it descended rapidly, with reports indicating individuals could be seen falling from the burning craft.
According to authorities, the pilot attempted an emergency landing following the outbreak of the fire. During this critical moment, thirteen people, including the pilot, managed to jump from the basket as it neared the ground. Tragically, the sudden loss of weight caused the balloon to re-ascend before ultimately falling.
The eight individuals remaining in the basket were trapped as the fire intensified. Military firefighters reported that four victims perished from severe burns sustained in the basket, while the other four died from the impact of the fall. Ulisses Gabriel, the chief of Santa Catarina’s civil police, shared a heartbreaking detail, noting that three of the deceased were found embracing each other, describing the scene as profoundly sorrowful.
Following the crash, emergency services rushed to the scene. The thirteen survivors, including the pilot, were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials confirmed that some survivors were in stable condition with minor injuries, while others’ conditions were not immediately available.
State Governor Jorginho Mello expressed deep mourning over the tragedy, stating that the state government was mobilizing resources to assist. He directed authorities to the site to support rescue efforts, aid the injured, facilitate hospital transport, and provide comfort to the affected families. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also conveyed solidarity and offered federal assistance.
An investigation has been launched into the cause of the deadly crash. The pilot, who survived, has already provided testimony to authorities. Plans are also underway to gather statements from the survivors as part of the inquiry. Early reports based on the pilot’s account suggest the balloon’s torch mechanism may have played a role in igniting the fire. Santa Catarina’s public safety secretary indicated that the investigation results are expected to be made public within 30 days.
The hot air balloon was operated by the company Sobrevoar, which stated it possessed the necessary licenses and had a clean accident record prior to the incident. The company released a statement expressing pain over the tragedy and asserting that their pilot, who they described as having extensive experience, followed all recommended procedures in an attempt to save everyone on board. As a result of the disaster, Sobrevoar announced the indefinite suspension of all its operations.
Praia Grande is a popular destination for hot air ballooning, particularly known for its dramatic canyon landscapes, earning it the nickname “Brazilian Cappadocia.” Ballooning is a favored activity in southern Brazil during June, coinciding with local festivities celebrating Catholic saints. The planned flight was reportedly expected to last 45 minutes, reach an altitude of approximately 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), and cost around $100 per passenger (550 reais).
This incident is the latest in a series of recent hot air balloon accidents globally. Just the previous Sunday, a balloon crash in Sao Paulo state, Brazil, resulted in one death and eleven injuries. Other recent fatal crashes have occurred in locations including Arizona and New Mexico in the U.S., Australia, Mexico, and Turkey, highlighting the inherent risks despite ballooning’s popularity.
