In Brazil, at least eight people have died and several others have been injured after a hot-air balloon carrying over 20 passengers caught fire mid-air and crashed in the southern state of Santa Catarina on Saturday morning.
The tragedy unfolded near the tourist town of Praia Grande, in a region famed for its dramatic canyons and dubbed the “Brazilian Cappadocia” due to its popularity with hot-air balloon enthusiasts. The balloon was one of approximately 30 that took flight around 7 a.m. local time.
Dramatic footage shared on social media captured the horrifying final moments of the multi-coloured balloon as it plunged from the sky in flames. Onlookers can be heard gasping in disbelief as passengers are seen falling from the burning basket. “My God!” one witness exclaims as the balloon descends rapidly.
Santa Catarina’s governor, Jorginho Mello, confirmed the accident on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “There were 21 people on board, eight fatalities, 13 survivors.” Some reports indicated the balloon may have been carrying as many as 22 people.
Brazil’s eyewitness speaks
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and horror as passengers desperately attempted to escape the blaze. “When the balloon started to catch fire, people hurled themselves out,” one witness told local newspaper Jornal Razão. “It was a desperate scene. Some threw themselves out [of the balloon], and others were trapped in the fire.”
According to Jornal Razão, the balloon’s pilot, who survived the crash, said the fire began inside the basket after a reserve torch ignited. Upon noticing the flames, the pilot attempted an emergency descent and urged passengers to jump as the balloon neared the ground. While some were able to escape with injuries, others were not so fortunate.
“The atmosphere in the area of the tragedy is one of utter disaster,” a reporter at the crash site wrote.
Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, and officials say a full inquiry will determine whether safety protocols were followed.
The crash has cast a shadow over one of Brazil’s most scenic regions, popular with tourists for its breathtaking aerial views and natural beauty.
