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Hot-Air Balloon Crash in brazil Kills Eight
PRAIA GRANDE – A hot-air balloon accident in Santa Catarina, brazil, resulted in the deaths of eight people and left 13 survivors, according to state officials.
By Amelia Monroe | PRAIA GRANDE – 2025/06/21 19:28:56
The accident occurred in Praia Grande, a coastal town known for hot-air ballooning. The balloon, carrying 21 people including the pilot, caught fire mid-air.
Governor Jorginho Mello stated on X, formerly twitter, “eight fatalities and 13 survivors.”
Videos captured by witnesses showed the balloon engulfed in flames above Praia Grande. According to reports, weather conditions were clear at the time.
The passenger basket plummeted from a significant height while still on fire.
A spokeswoman for Santa Catarina firefighters told AFP, “We still have no details” regarding the condition of the survivors.
Firefighters reported that the survivors are receiving treatment in local hospitals.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva released a statement saying, “I want to express my solidarity with the families of the victims.”
According to Tiago Luiz Lemos, a police official in Praia Grande, the pilot informed officials that a blowtorch in the basket ignited the fire. Lemos told local media that the pilot attempted to descend as soon as the fire started, “and once it was close to the ground, he told the passengers to jump from the basket.But some of them couldn’t do it and the fire grew”.
A witness told the Razão newspaper he saw “two people falling, they were on fire, the basket broke off and the balloon fell”.
This is the second deadly ballooning incident in Brazil within a week. Recently, a woman died during a hot-air balloon ride in São Paulo state.
Hot Air Balloon safety and Regulations
“I want to express my solidarity with the families of the victims,”
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Air Balloon Safety
- What are the main causes of hot air balloon accidents?
- Common causes include pilot error, mechanical failure, adverse weather conditions, and collisions with obstacles. FAA Balloon Safety EASA Balloon Operations
- What safety measures are in place for hot air balloon rides?
- Safety measures include pre-flight inspections, pilot training and certification, adherence to weather minimums, and emergency procedures. FAA Balloon Safety EASA Balloon Operations
- How can passengers ensure their safety during a hot air balloon ride?
- Passengers should choose reputable operators, listen carefully to pre-flight briefings, follow the pilot’s instructions, and be aware of emergency procedures. FAA Balloon Safety EASA Balloon Operations
