Tragic Blaze: Hot-Air Balloon in Brazil Plummets, Claiming 8 Lives and Injuring 13

In a tragic incident in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil, a hot-air balloon caught fire and plummeted to the ground on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals, according to local firefighters. The fire, which originated in the balloon’s basket, quickly spread, compelling the pilot to attempt an emergency landing at around 8 a.m. local time.

Thirteen of the 21 people on board, including the pilot, managed to escape. Eyewitness footage depicted a chaotic scene as flames engulfed the balloon. Disturbingly, two passengers were seen falling to the ground as the fire escalated. “These people ended up dying — four charred and another four jumped out of the balloon when it was falling,” detailed Lt. Col. Zevir Cipriano Jr., a military firefighter.

Chief of Santa Catarina’s civil police force, Ulisses Gabriel, noted the heart-wrenching image of three victims found embracing each other amidst the chaos. “It hurts the soul,” he expressed on social media. Governor Jorginho Mello spoke of the tragedy, emphasizing the need for state resources to assist with rescue efforts and support for the affected families. “We will see how it unfolds, what happened, why it happened,” he added.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also extended his condolences, stating that the federal government would assist victims and local authorities in addressing the aftermath of the incident. The balloon was expected to reach an altitude of 1,000 meters, with flights typically last 45 minutes, costing around $100 per passenger.

Sobrevoar, the company operating the balloon, confirmed it had followed all safety regulations and maintained a clean record before this incident. In a statement, they expressed their deep sorrow over the tragedy, acknowledging the experience of their pilot and their efforts to manage the situation. Following the incident, the company has suspended all operations indefinitely.

Praia Grande is known for its picturesque canyon landscapes and has become a notable spot for hot-air ballooning. This tragic event comes shortly after a similar incident in São Paulo, where a woman lost her life and several others were injured.