Hot-Air Balloon Fire Kills 8, Injures 13 in Southern Brazil

A tragic hot-air balloon accident claimed the lives of eight people on Saturday in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil, after the balloon caught fire mid-air and plummeted to the ground.

According to the state’s military fire brigade, 21 people, including the pilot, were on board when the incident occurred. Thirteen survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals with varying degrees of injuries.

Dramatic footage from Brazilian news outlet G1 showed thick smoke billowing from the burning balloon as it descended rapidly. Videos circulating on social media also captured the harrowing moment when two passengers fell from the balloon as flames spread.

Governor Jorginho Mello reacted to the incident in a statement on X, calling it a tragedy. “We are in mourning. We will investigate what happened, but the priority now is rescue and support for the victims and their families,” he said.

Police reports indicate that the fire broke out inside the basket. Quoting Praia Grande’s head police officer, Tiago Luiz Lemos, Folha de São Paulo reported that the pilot, who survived, attempted to make an emergency descent and instructed passengers to jump as the balloon neared the ground.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.