At least eight people were killed in a tragic hot-air balloon crash on Saturday morning in Brazil’s southern state of Santa Catarina after the balloon caught fire mid-air and plunged to the ground. The incident occurred near the town of Praia Grande, a region famed for its dramatic canyons and soaring balloon rides that have earned it the nickname “Brazilian Cappadocia.”
The balloon was carrying over 20 passengers when the fire broke out, reportedly around 7 am local time, during a morning flight amid clear skies. Videos circulating on social media captured the terrifying scene as the colourful balloon became engulfed in flames, with at least two passengers seen falling as the blaze spread. Shocked onlookers can be heard crying out in disbelief as the basket hurtled toward the ground.
Authorities have confirmed that 21 people were aboard the aircraft, with eight fatalities and 13 survivors. Other local reports suggest there may have been 22 passengers. Rescue teams were swiftly dispatched to the remote crash site, located roughly 270 kilometres from the state capital, Florianópolis.
Witnesses described the chaos and desperation as some passengers leapt from the balloon in an attempt to escape the fire. “People were jumping to save themselves,” one eyewitness told a regional news outlet. “It was horrifying—some managed to get out, others were trapped.”
According to reports from local media, the balloon’s pilot, who survived the crash, said the fire likely originated from a backup torch located inside the basket. Upon noticing the flames, the pilot attempted a rapid descent and instructed passengers to jump once the balloon neared the ground. While several survived with injuries, others were unable to escape in time.
Governor Jorginho Mello expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, calling it a “moment of great sadness” for the state. He confirmed that emergency services responded promptly, and an investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Praia Grande, where the accident took place, is a popular destination for hot-air ballooning, drawing tourists from around the world who come to experience flights over its rugged canyons and lush landscapes. The tragedy has cast a dark shadow over the region's thriving adventure tourism scene, with authorities now likely to review safety protocols for balloon operators.
(With inputs from multiple news reports)
