A tragic hot air balloon accident in southern Brazil on Saturday morning resulted in the deaths of eight people. The incident occurred in Praia Grande, a city in the state of Santa Catarina popular for its scenic hot air balloon flights, often referred to as the “Brazilian Cappadocia.”
The balloon was carrying 21 people, including the pilot, for a planned tourist flight that morning, estimated to cost around $100 per passenger and expected to last about 45 minutes.
What Happened
According to reports from officials, including the pilot who survived, a fire suddenly ignited inside the balloon’s basket during the flight. In response, the pilot initiated an emergency descent and instructed passengers to jump when the balloon neared the ground.
Thirteen people, including the pilot, managed to exit the basket during this critical window. However, tragically, eight individuals remained on board. Police Chief Ulisses Gabriel suggested that potentially windy conditions during takeoff may have played a role, possibly contributing to a gas leak or causing a backup burner to ignite, leading to the fire. The pilot himself reportedly believes a backup burner may have been the source of the blaze.
As the fire intensified, the balloon, now significantly lighter after 13 people had jumped, began to ascend rapidly again. Witnesses described seeing thick smoke billowing from the burning craft as it rose before eventually falling. Some harrowing accounts reported seeing people fall from the burning basket as it ascended.
Of the eight victims who remained on board, four tragically died from burns sustained in the fire, while the other four died either from jumping as the balloon was falling or rising, or from the subsequent impact. Chief Gabriel described the scene as deeply distressing, noting three victims were found holding each other.
Victims and Survivors
The eight lives lost included two couples, a mother and daughter, an ophthalmologist, and a figure skater.
Thirteen individuals survived the crash, including the pilot. They were transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention. While comprehensive information on all survivors is not yet available, officials at Our Lady of Fatima hospital reported treating five survivors, with three in stable condition with minor injuries and two having already been discharged. No one is currently reported missing.
Official Response and Investigation
State and federal authorities have swiftly responded to the tragedy. Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello confirmed the deaths on social media, calling the event a “tragedy” and expressing mourning. Despite being on an official mission in China, he stated he had deployed the “entire state structure” to assist with rescue, help, and comfort for the affected families and is monitoring the situation closely.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also expressed solidarity with the victims’ families, offering federal government resources to assist victims and support local rescue efforts and care for survivors.
Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) has launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on the condition of the balloon and the crew. The investigation aims to determine the exact cause of the fire and the subsequent crash, considering factors like potential human error, adverse weather conditions, or equipment malfunction.
Context: Ballooning in Brazil
Praia Grande is renowned as a popular tourist destination for hot air ballooning, attracting visitors with its dramatic canyon landscapes. Local officials estimate that during peak season, the area sees between 25 and 30 balloon flights daily.
This fatal accident is unfortunately not an isolated incident in Brazil. Just six days prior, another hot air balloon incident occurred in Sao Paulo state, resulting in one fatality and eleven injuries. Globally, there have also been other serious hot air balloon crashes in recent years, highlighting ongoing safety concerns within the activity.
Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, the company that operated the flight, announced it has suspended its activities indefinitely following the crash. In a statement, the company asserted it had complied with all Anac regulations, had no prior accident history, and that their experienced pilot followed all recommended procedures in an attempt to save those on board. They conveyed their pain caused by the tragedy.
