Praia Grande, Brazil – At least eight people have died after a hot air balloon carrying 22 passengers crashed in Brazil’s southern state of Santa Catarina on Saturday morning, local authorities confirmed. The accident occurred near Praia Grande, a popular tourist area known for its scenic landscapes.
According to Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello, rescue teams were quickly dispatched to the crash site. “We are shocked by this tragedy,” Mello said in a statement on X. “So far, we have confirmed eight deaths, and two survivors have been rescued.” Rescue efforts are ongoing to locate other passengers, as initial reports suggest 22 people were on board.
Videos shared on social media showed the hot air balloon catching fire in the sky before plummeting to the ground, leaving onlookers in horror. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with early reports pointing to possible equipment failure or unstable weather conditions, such as strong winds. Brazilian civil aviation authorities, including the Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA), are examining the incident.
The hot air balloon was operated by a commercial tour company offering sightseeing flights over Santa Catarina’s mountainous region, a popular activity for tourists. Local media reported that the balloon may have been overloaded, and questions have been raised about whether safety regulations were followed.
The crash has left the community in mourning, with families and friends of the victims gathering for support. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, pending notification of relatives.
This tragedy follows another recent hot air balloon accident in São Paulo, Brazil, where a pregnant woman died after an illegal flight crashed due to strong winds and improper licensing. Authorities are now under pressure to strengthen safety regulations for hot air balloon tours across the country.
International safety experts have called for stricter oversight of such activities, citing the risks of operating in unpredictable weather. The incident has sparked global concern, as hot air ballooning remains a popular tourist attraction in many countries.
Brazilian officials have promised a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and prevent future tragedies. For now, the focus remains on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring the safety of survivors.
