A hot air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire and plummeted to the ground in southern Brazil’s Santa Catarina state Saturday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least eight people. Authorities and onlookers described a scene of devastation near the popular hot air ballooning town of Praia Grande that “hurts the soul.”
The tragic incident unfolded around 8 a.m. local time after a fire reportedly ignited inside the balloon’s basket while it was airborne.
The Fatal Descent
According to officials from Santa Catarina’s military fire brigade and accounts from survivors, including the pilot, the pilot attempted to lower the balloon once the fire started spreading. As the balloon neared the ground, the pilot instructed passengers to jump out of the basket.
Thirteen people, including the pilot, managed to exit the balloon at this critical point. However, eight people were unable to jump. Tragically, without the weight of those who had jumped, the burning balloon briefly ascended again before the fire intensified, causing it to deflate and fall rapidly to the ground in a wooded area.
Lieutenant Colonel Zevir Cipriano Jr., a military firefighter, detailed the grim fate of the victims, stating that four people died from being charred inside the basket, while another four died after jumping or falling from the balloon during the descent attempt.
Ulisses Gabriel, chief of Santa Catarina’s civil police force, shared on social media that three of the victims who perished were found embracing each other amidst the wreckage. He described the scene as deeply painful.
Video footage circulated online reportedly showed thick black smoke billowing from the flaming balloon as it fell. Some harrowing videos appeared to show individuals falling from the burning aircraft before impact.
Survivors Receiving Care
The 13 survivors, including the pilot, were transported to area hospitals for treatment. While information on all survivors’ conditions was not immediately available, officials at one hospital reported treating five survivors, with three in stable condition with minor injuries and two already discharged.
Investigation Underway
State and federal authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and subsequent crash. Brazil’s Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA) is involved in examining the wreckage.
Santa Catarina’s public safety secretary, Col. Flávio Graff, stated that the results of the investigation are expected to be made public within 30 days. Civil police have begun taking testimony from the pilot and plan to interview other survivors as part of their inquiry.
Mourning and Support
Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy. “We are in mourning,” he said in a video statement. “A tragedy has happened. We will see how it unfolds, what happened, why it happened.” He directed state authorities to provide maximum assistance to the victims and their families, aiding in rescue efforts, medical transport, and emotional support.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also extended his solidarity to the families of those who died and offered the full support of the federal government to assist local authorities and those impacted by the crash.
Company Responds
The hot air balloon was operated by Sobrevoar, a company that issued a statement expressing pain over the tragedy. Sobrevoar claimed their pilot was highly experienced and followed all recommended procedures in an attempt to save everyone onboard. The company stated it had previously maintained a clear record, adhering to all regulations for its flights. However, following the crash, Sobrevoar has announced the indefinite suspension of all its operations.
Context of the Area and Recent Incidents
Praia Grande is a popular destination for hot air ballooning, known for its scenic canyon landscapes and sometimes referred to as the “Brazilian Cappadocia.” The activity is particularly enjoyed in this region, especially during June festivities celebrating various Catholic saints. The ill-fated flight was reportedly planned to last 45 minutes, reach an altitude of around 3,280 feet (1000 meters), and cost approximately $100 per person.
Tragically, this is the second fatal hot air balloon incident in Brazil within a short period. Just the previous Sunday, a separate balloon came down in São Paulo state, resulting in one death and eleven injuries.
