At least eight individuals have lost their lives and 13 more were hurt after a hot air balloon went down in southern Brazil on Saturday.
Disturbing videos show the balloon engulfed in flames as it falls from the sky — as new, heartbreaking information comes to light about the last moments of some passengers onboard.
A calm hot air balloon journey turned into a nightmare on Saturday morning (June 21) over Praia Grande, a popular ballooning location in southern Brazil’s Santa Catarina state. What was supposed to be a relaxing flight over the beautiful forests and fields ended in tragedy when a fire broke out mid-air, causing the balloon to crash and resulting in eight deaths.
Pilot urges passengers to jump.
The balloon, run by Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, had 21 people on board when the incident occurred. Survivors and police reported that a fire ignited inside the basket, prompting the pilot to make an emergency descent.
“According to the pilot, who survived, a fire broke out inside the basket, so he began to lower the balloon,” Officer Tiago Luiz Lemos told reporters, as reported by BBC. “When it was very close to the ground, he instructed people to jump.”
Thirteen individuals, including the pilot, were able to jump to safety before the balloon — now lighter due to their exit — ascended again, taking the remaining passengers toward a deadly end.
“The flames began to intensify and due to the loss of weight, the balloon started to rise again,” Officer Lemos explained. “It eventually crashed because of a suspension failure.
What caused the fire?
The precise reason is still being looked into, but initial reports suggest that a backup burner kept in the basket might be to blame. The pilot mentioned that it could have reignited by itself.
“I’m not sure if it stayed lit or reignited on its own, but it was the torch that ignited everything,” he reportedly said to Jornal Razao.
Police Chief Ulisses Gabriel also noted that strong winds during takeoff might have contributed to the incident. The ground crew had to secure the balloon with cables, and at one point, a truck was seen pulling the balloon back and forth.
Gabriel told Globo News: “A truck was pulling the balloon with a cable, which was moving very vigorously. It’s possible that this movement caused a gas leak, leading to the fire.”
Even with the balloon’s flame-resistant materials, the fire spread quickly.
Tragic final moments.
The eight victims included two couples, a mother and daughter, a figure skater, and an eye doctor. According to civil police chief Ulisses Gabriel, three of them were found holding each other in their last moments.
“It’s heartbreaking,” he posted on X.
Witnesses described scenes that felt like the end of the world. “We saw two people fall on fire,” one local recounted to Jornal Razao. “After the basket broke, the balloon completely fell.”
Another witness shared their experience upon reaching the crash site: “There were two survivors — a woman covered in mud, in shock, and a man limping. The pasture had two bodies near the horses. The balloon had fallen deeper into the woods, engulfed in flames.
Emergency responders hurried to the location, advising bystanders to keep their distance because of gas leaks and the potential for explosions. Smoke rose from the debris as rescue operations commenced.
As reported by G1, the hot air balloon ride was planned to last around 45 minutes, reaching heights of 1,000 meters. Each passenger paid approximately 550 reais, which is about $100.
National mourning.
Governor Jorginho Mello, who is currently on an official trip in China, announced a period of mourning. “We are in mourning; what occurred is a tragedy,” he stated in a video message. “We will look into the reasons behind this incident. However, the priority now is to support the affected individuals and their families.”
Emergency services are active at the site where a hot air balloon crashed, resulting in at least 8 fatalities in Santa Catarina, Brazil on June 21, 2025. (Photo by CBMSC/ Brazil / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also released a message of support. “I offer the federal government’s assistance to the victims and the state and local authorities,” he posted on X.
Praia Grande’s city hall shared similar sentiments, extending support and condolences to the mourning families.
Investigation and suspension of operations.
Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) has initiated a comprehensive investigation. The public safety secretary of Santa Catarina mentioned that findings would be available within 30 days. All survivors, including the pilot, are being questioned.
Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, the company that operates the balloon tours, has halted its activities indefinitely. “Despite all necessary precautions and the efforts of our skilled pilot… we are now confronted with the sorrow brought on by this tragedy,” the company stated.
Brazil’s ballooning is facing increased scrutiny.
This marks the second deadly hot air balloon accident in Brazil within a short period. Just earlier this month, a 27-year-old woman lost her life in São Paulo, and 11 others sustained injuries. These events have raised fresh worries regarding the safety standards of ballooning.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families.
