Govind Tekale
A flaming hot air balloon crashed to the ground in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil on Saturday morning, leaving eight people dead and 13 injured.
The tragedy unfolded around 8 AM local time when fire erupted inside the basket of the balloon carrying 21 passengers, including the pilot. Desperate to save lives, the pilot attempted an emergency landing and instructed passengers to jump once the balloon was close enough to the ground.
“These people ended up dying — four charred and another four jumped out of the balloon when it was falling,” said Lt. Col. Zevir Cipriano Jr., a military firefighter.
In a heartbreaking detail, Santa Catarina’s civil police chief Ulisses Gabriel noted that three victims were found embracing each other. “It hurts the soul,” he said.
Videos shared on social media captured the horrifying moment as the multicolored balloon, engulfed in flames and billowing black smoke, hurtled toward the ground in a wooded area. Witnesses captured disturbing images of individuals dropping from the aircraft as flames consumed it.
The balloon, operated by the company Sobrevoar, was expected to have a 45-minute flight reaching heights of about 3,280 feet and cost approximately $100 per passenger. Locals call this region the “Brazilian version of Cappadocia” because of its stunning canyon views, attracting tourists for balloon trips, particularly during the June celebration period.
Similar Posts
In response to the tragedy, Sobrevoar suspended all operations indefinitely while maintaining they had followed all regulations and had a clean safety record before the incident.
“Despite all necessary precautions and the efforts of our pilot — who has extensive experience and followed all recommended procedures in an attempt to save everyone on board the balloon — we are suffering from the pain caused by this tragedy,” the company said in a statement.
Brazilian officials swiftly responded to the disaster. Governor Jorginho Mello of Santa Catarina expressed deep sorrow, stating, “We are in mourning. A tragedy has happened.” President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva extended his solidarity to the victims’ families and pledged federal government support.
Authorities have launched an investigation, with results expected within 30 days, according to Santa Catarina’s public safety secretary, Flávio Graff. The pilot has already provided testimony, and statements from survivors will be gathered as the probe continues.
According to CNN Brasil, this incident follows two other balloon accidents within a week. On the previous Sunday, a balloon with 35 passengers crashed in São Paulo state, resulting in one death and 11 injuries. Reports indicate this balloon was flying without proper permits. Several days later, another balloon incident occurred on São Paulo’s coast, fortunately without causing major injuries.
The string of accidents raises serious questions about safety regulations and oversight in Brazil’s growing hot air balloon tourism industry, which has become increasingly popular in scenic regions like Praia Grande.
Emergency services were dispatched to the crash site to assist with recovery efforts and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
