Deadly Hot Air Balloon Crash in Brazil Claims 8 Lives, Injures 13
A devastating hot air balloon crash in southern Brazil has resulted in the deaths of eight people and left thirteen others injured. The incident occurred on Saturday morning in Praia Grande, a municipality known for hot air ballooning in the state of Santa Catarina.
Authorities confirmed that a total of 21 people, including the pilot, were on board when the balloon caught fire and plummeted from the sky. The surviving 13 individuals were transported to local hospitals for medical attention.
Fire Ignites Mid-Flight, Leads to Desperate Attempts
According to officials, including Praia Grande head police officer Tiago Luiz Lemos who spoke with the surviving pilot, the fire began inside the balloon’s basket while airborne around 8 a.m. local time. As flames erupted, the pilot reportedly attempted to lower the balloon.
When the aircraft neared the ground, the pilot instructed passengers to jump out. Thirteen people, including the pilot, managed to escape the burning basket. However, this sudden loss of weight caused the balloon, still ablaze, to tragically ascend again with the remaining eight people inside.
Military firefighter Lt. Col. Zevir Cipriano Jr. detailed the tragic outcome for those left on board, stating that four people died from being charred inside the basket, while another four jumped from the balloon as it was falling. Santa Catarina civil police chief Ulisses Gabriel shared the poignant detail on social media that three of the victims who perished were found embracing each other, remarking that it “hurts the soul.”
Video footage captured the horrifying moments, showing thick smoke billowing from the balloon as it was engulfed in flames and rapidly descended towards the ground. Another widely shared social media video reportedly showed two individuals falling through the air as the fire spread.
Investigation Underway, Company Responds
State and federal officials have expressed profound sorrow following the tragedy. Santa Catarina Gov. Jorginho Mello stated, “We are in mourning. A tragedy has happened,” and pledged state resources to assist with rescue efforts, aid the injured, and support grieving families. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also offered solidarity and federal government support.
An investigation into the cause of the catastrophic crash has been launched by authorities. Santa Catarina’s public safety secretary, Col. Flávio Graff, stated that the results of the inquiry are expected to be made public within 30 days. As part of the investigation, the pilot has provided testimony, and statements will also be gathered from the survivors.
Sobrevoar, the company responsible for the balloon, issued a statement expressing pain and grief. They claimed compliance with all regulations and asserted a clean accident record prior to Saturday’s incident. The company stated that despite the pilot’s extensive experience and adherence to recommended procedures to save everyone, the outcome was devastating. Sobrevoar announced the indefinite suspension of all its operations following the crash.
Reports indicate the planned flight was scheduled for 45 minutes, intended to reach an altitude of 1,000 meters (approximately 3,280 feet), and cost around 550 reais (roughly $100) per passenger.
Popular Activity Under Scrutiny
Praia Grande is a popular destination for hot air ballooning, particularly favored during June festivities and known for its dramatic canyon landscapes, earning it the nickname “Brazilian Cappadocia.”
However, this tragic incident highlights significant safety concerns surrounding the activity in Brazil. Notably, hot air ballooning was reportedly outlawed in the country in 1998 due to safety issues. Despite this prohibition, such trips remain popular but are often considered clandestine operations, raising questions about regulation and enforcement.
The fatal crash in Santa Catarina is the second such incident in Brazil within a week. The previous Sunday, a hot air balloon came down in Sao Paulo state, killing one person and injuring eleven others.
