Tragic Hot-Air Balloon Crash in Brazil Kills Eight, Injured Thirteen

Santa Catarina, Brazil – At least eight people have died after a hot-air balloon carrying more than 20 passengers caught fire mid-air and plummeted to the ground on Saturday morning in the scenic canyons of Praia Grande, a popular tourist destination often called "the Brazilian Cappadocia."

The tragic accident unfolded around 7 a.m., when roughly 30 balloons were in the sky over the southern Brazilian region, known for its picturesque canyon views and hot-air balloon excursions.

Terrifying Crash Captured on Video

Shocking footage shared across social media platforms shows the colorful balloon engulfed in flames, trailing smoke as it crashes toward the earth. In the video, two passengers are seen falling from the basket as flames rapidly spread.

One onlooker is heard crying, “My God!” as the balloon descends uncontrollably.

Casualties Confirmed and Emergency Response

Governor Jorginho Mello of Santa Catarina confirmed the fatalities in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“There were 21 people on board — eight died, 13 survived.”

However, conflicting reports suggest the total number of passengers may have been 22. Emergency teams were dispatched immediately to the crash site near Praia Grande, located about 170 miles from the state capital, Florianópolis.

Witness Accounts: Panic and Chaos in the Sky

Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic as passengers tried to escape the balloon once the fire erupted.

“When the balloon caught fire, people tried to escape,” said one bystander.
“Some people threw themselves out, while others were trapped in the flames,” another witness added.

A journalist from Jornal Razão, a local news outlet, described the aftermath as “complete chaos.”

Pilot's Explanation: Fire Started from Reserve Torch

According to Jornal Razão, the balloon’s pilot survived and spoke to authorities shortly after the crash. He claimed that the fire was triggered by a reserve torch stored inside the basket.

Once the fire started, he attempted a rapid descent and allegedly instructed passengers to jump as the balloon neared the ground.

Some managed to leap out with minor or serious injuries, while others could not escape in time.

Investigation Underway

Brazilian aviation and law enforcement authorities have launched an urgent investigation into the cause of the fire, the safety conditions of the flight, and whether any protocols were violated.

As the country mourns the loss of life, questions are mounting over safety regulations surrounding Brazil’s balloon tourism industry.