Eight individuals have lost their lives and 13 others have sustained injuries following a hot air balloon incident involving 21 passengers, which caught fire and crashed before shocked witnesses.

The incident occurred in the skies over Praia Grande, located in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, on Saturday morning (June 21).

Fire Erupted During Flight, Pilot Initiated Emergency Evacuation
The balloon was operated by the tour company Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, which adhered to all aviation regulations and had no prior accident history, as stated by the company.

The balloon embarked on a tour over a well-known ballooning location.

According to police and eyewitness reports, the fire ignited within the balloon’s basket. “The pilot, who survived, reported that a fire started inside the basket, prompting him to lower the balloon, and as it neared the ground, he instructed passengers to jump,” stated officer Tiago Luiz Lemos of the Praia Grande police, as reported by BBC News.

Thirteen individuals, including the pilot, successfully jumped and survived. However, others were unable to escape in time.

Officer Lemos further remarked: “They began to jump, but some individuals could not make it. The flames intensified, and due to the weight, the balloon ascended again. It eventually fell due to a loss of suspension.”

Investigation Underway Regarding Fire Cause
Chief of police Ulisses Gabriel informed Brazilian broadcaster Globo News that the wind conditions at takeoff were strong, necessitating the stabilization of the balloon by several individuals. “A truck was pulling the balloon with a cable, which was moving vigorously from side to side,” he noted, according to the Daily Mail.

Gabriel elaborated that this movement might have led to a gas leak, which caused a fire that even flame-retardant materials could not suppress.

The pilot conveyed to investigators that the fire likely stemmed from a backup burner located in the basket. “I am uncertain if it remained lit or reignited independently, but it was the torch that initiated the incident,” he stated, as reported by Jornal Razao.

Victims and Survivors
The eight individuals who lost their lives included two couples, a mother and her daughter, an ophthalmologist, and a figure skater.

Survivors were taken to nearby hospitals for medical care. According to civil police chief Ulisses Gabriel, three of the deceased were discovered in an embrace. “It hurts the soul,” he shared on X.

Residents recounted the scene, with one witness informing Jornal Razao: “We saw two individuals fall into the flames. After the basket collapsed, the balloon descended entirely.” Another witness remarked, “Upon our arrival, we found two survivors, a woman covered in mud and in shock, and a man who was limping.”

Investigation Underway
Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) has initiated an inquiry into the aircraft’s condition and the crew’s actions. Flávio Graff, the public safety secretary of Santa Catarina, stated that the findings of the investigation would be disclosed within 30 days. The pilot has provided a statement, and further accounts will be gathered from survivors.

Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos has halted its operations indefinitely. “Regrettably, despite all necessary precautions and the efforts of our skilled pilot — who adhered to all recommended protocols and attempted to rescue everyone on board — we are now confronted with the sorrow brought about by this tragedy,” the company expressed in a statement.

Ballooning Under Scrutiny
The incident occurs just days following another deadly hot air balloon accident in São Paulo, which resulted in the death of a 27-year-old woman and injuries to 11 others.

Hot air ballooning is a favored pastime in southern Brazil, especially in June when festivals honoring Catholic saints attract large audiences.

Residents noted that approximately 30 balloons were airborne in Praia Grande on the morning of the incident, with the ill-fated balloon being one of the last to take off. The intended flight was projected to ascend beyond 3,000 feet and last for 45 minutes.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy.