A tragic hot-air balloon accident occurred on Saturday in Praia Grande, located in Brazil’s southern state of Santa Catarina, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals. The balloon caught fire mid-air, leading to its descent and the subsequent loss of life, according to local firefighters.
Witnesses captured footage showing the hot-air balloon engulfed in flames as it fell to the ground. Out of the 21 people on board, including the pilot, 13 were rescued and taken to hospitals. The state’s military fire brigade confirmed the details of the incident and expressed condolences for those lost.
In response to the tragedy, Governor Jorginho Mello expressed deep sorrow, stating, “We are in mourning. A tragedy has happened.” He called for immediate action from authorities to assist with rescue efforts and support for the affected families. The governor highlighted the importance of understanding the circumstances that led to the fire and fall.
Hot-air ballooning is a popular activity in southern Brazil, particularly during festive June celebrations honoring Catholic saints like St. John. Unfortunately, just a week prior, another incident involving a hot-air balloon in São Paulo state resulted in the death of a 27-year-old woman and injuries to 11 others.
This incident has raised questions about safety regulations in the hot-air ballooning industry, prompting the need for thorough investigations to prevent such tragedies in the future. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the emphasis remains on the collective effort to support those impacted and their families during this difficult time.