Tragic Hot-Air Balloon Fire Claims Eight Lives in Southern Brazil

Fatal Incident in Praia Grande

A devastating incident occurred on Saturday in southern Brazil, where a hot-air balloon caught fire while airborne, leading to a crash that resulted in the deaths of at least eight individuals. This tragic event took place in the picturesque region of Praia Grande, located in Santa Catarina, renowned for its breathtaking balloon rides over scenic canyons.

The state's military fire brigade reported that the balloon ignited in the air and descended shortly after 8 AM local time. Out of the 21 passengers, including the pilot, 13 managed to survive and were promptly transported to local hospitals for medical attention. Rescue operations involved approximately 20 firefighters and seven emergency vehicles dispatched to the crash site.

The cause of this unfortunate accident is currently under investigation, as stated by Santa Catarina's Governor Jorginho Mello. In a video shared on social media, Mello expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, saying, 'We are in mourning... It is a tragedy that has happened. We will monitor the situation closely to understand what occurred and why.'

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva extended his condolences to the families affected by this incident, confirming that both federal and state agencies are actively involved in the rescue and recovery efforts. He expressed his solidarity with the victims' families and assured that the Federal Government is ready to assist the local authorities in their response efforts. This accident follows another balloon-related incident in São Paulo state just days earlier, where one person lost their life and 11 others were injured when a balloon carrying 30 passengers fell.