A devastating hot air balloon accident in Praia Grande, southern Brazil, has claimed the lives of eight people and left 13 others injured. The tragic incident unfolded on June 21, 2025, when a hot air balloon caught fire mid-flight, causing it to crash into the forest below. The survivors’ harrowing accounts reveal the chaos and fear experienced during the final moments.
A Heartbreaking Disaster
The hot air balloon, operated by Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, was carrying 21 people when disaster struck. According to the pilot, a fire erupted inside the basket, prompting him to try and bring the balloon down. As the flames spread, the pilot instructed the passengers to jump, hoping to lighten the load. Thirteen people, including the pilot, managed to leap to safety before the balloon began rising again due to the weight loss, ultimately causing it to crash violently.
As the balloon regained altitude, the fire intensified. The vehicle eventually fell, with witnesses describing the catastrophic scene as the balloon crashed into the ground. “We saw two people fall on fire,” one local resident recalled. “After the basket broke, the balloon fell completely.”
A Tragic Loss of Life
Among the eight victims were two couples, a mother and daughter, a figure skater, and an ophthalmologist. Three victims were found embracing one another in their final moments, a heartbreaking image that has left the local community in shock. “It hurts the soul,” said Civil Police Chief Ulisses Gabriel.
The fire spread rapidly despite the balloon’s flame-retardant materials, and emergency responders worked quickly to manage the dangerous situation. Smoke billowed from the wreckage, and rescuers warned bystanders to stay away due to the risk of gas explosions. The crash site was scattered with the bodies of the victims, and two survivors, a woman in shock and a man limping, were found nearby.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Early reports suggest that intense wind conditions during takeoff, coupled with the movement of a truck pulling the balloon, may have caused a gas leak that led to the fire. While the exact cause is still under review, the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) is expected to release findings within the next 30 days.
This tragic event is the second fatal hot air balloon accident in Brazil this month. A similar incident earlier in June in São Paulo resulted in one death and multiple injuries, reigniting concerns about safety standards in the ballooning industry. In response, Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos has suspended all operations indefinitely while the investigation unfolds.
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National Mourning and Support
The loss has shaken Brazil, with both state and national officials expressing their condolences. Governor Jorginho Mello declared a period of mourning, offering support to the victims’ families. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also issued a statement, offering the federal government’s assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
The local government of Praia Grande extended its condolences, reaffirming the city’s commitment to supporting the families during this devastating time. “We are in mourning; what happened is a tragedy,” Governor Mello said in a video message. “We will investigate why this happened, but the important thing now is to reach out to the people and families.”
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Final Thoughts
This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the risks associated with hot air ballooning, especially when safety protocols may be compromised. Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives and the survivors as they process the traumatic events of June 21. The investigation continues, and it is crucial that steps be taken to ensure the safety of future ballooning operations in Brazil.
Emergency services operate at the area where a hot air balloon crashed, leaving at least 8 dead in Santa Catarina, Brazil on June 21, 2025. (Photo by CBMSC/ Brazil / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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This devastating event has left an indelible mark on the community, and it’s essential for authorities and the ballooning industry to address the safety concerns that continue to emerge.
Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.
