Tragic Hot Air Balloon Crash Claims Eight Lives in Southern Brazil
At least eight people died in a devastating hot air balloon accident in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, on Saturday morning, June 21. The balloon, carrying a total of 21 individuals on a tourism flight, caught fire before plummeting to the ground near a health centre.
Thirteen people, including the pilot, survived the harrowing incident. Authorities confirmed that no one is currently missing following the crash.
Pilot’s Harrowing Account of the Incident
Based on the statement provided by the surviving pilot, a fire ignited inside the balloon’s basket during the flight. In an attempt to manage the emergency, the pilot began lowering the balloon. As it neared the ground, the pilot instructed those on board to jump.
Some passengers reportedly managed to jump out, but others were unable to do so. Tragically, as the weight lessened due to people exiting, the flames intensified, causing the balloon to ascend again rapidly. It later fell, attributed by an official to a loss of suspension.
According to reports, four of the deceased victims were found charred, while another four are believed to have jumped from the balloon while it was falling. Authorities described the scene as deeply distressing, noting that three of the victims were found embracing each other.
The thirteen survivors, including the pilot, were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Initial reports indicated some survivors sustained minor injuries and were in stable condition, with a few already discharged, while the condition of others was not immediately available.
Official Response and Investigation
Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello, who was on an official mission abroad at the time, confirmed the fatalities and the total number of people on board. In a public statement, he expressed that the state was “in mourning” over the “tragedy” and had directed the “entire state structure” towards rescue, aid, and comforting the affected families. Governor Mello stated that an investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the accident, emphasizing that the immediate priority was supporting the victims and their families.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also offered his condolences and “solidarity with the families of the victims.” He placed the federal government’s resources at the disposal of local authorities and those impacted by the crash, noting that state and municipal forces were actively involved in rescue and survivor care efforts.
Praia Grande: A Popular Ballooning Destination
Praia Grande, located in southern Santa Catarina, is renowned as a popular tourist destination, particularly famous for its hot air ballooning activities. Known for dramatic canyon landscapes, the area is sometimes referred to as the “Brazilian Cappadocia.” During peak season, the region can see between 25 to 30 balloon trips departing daily. This incident occurred during a period when ballooning is popular in parts of southern Brazil, coinciding with June festivities.
The company operating the balloon, Sobrevoar, issued a statement expressing deep pain over the tragedy. They asserted that they complied with all relevant regulations and had no previous accident record, highlighting the extensive experience of their pilot who, they stated, followed recommended procedures to try and save those on board. Sobrevoar announced the indefinite suspension of all its operations following the crash.
The accident in Praia Grande is one of several recent fatal hot air balloon incidents reported globally and within Brazil. Just the previous Sunday, another balloon crash in Sao Paulo state resulted in one death and multiple injuries.
