8 killed, 13 injured after hot-air balloon catches fire and falls in Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO — A tragic incident unfolded in Brazil’s southern state of Santa Catarina on Saturday when a hot-air balloon caught fire, resulting in the loss of eight lives, according to firefighters.

Shocking footage captured by local news outlet G1 showed the balloon engulfed in flames, plummeting towards the ground in Praia Grande municipality.

Eyewitnesses shared videos on social media of two individuals falling from the burning aircraft as the tragic incident unfolded.

Santa Catarina’s civil police force chief, Ulisses Gabriel, revealed that three victims were found hugging each other, a heartbreaking scene that deeply affected him.

Out of the 21 individuals onboard, 13 survived and were rushed to hospitals for treatment, as confirmed by Santa Catarina’s military fire brigade.

Governor Jorginho Mello expressed his condolences, stating that the state’s priority is to provide support and assistance to the affected families amidst this tragedy.

The pilot, a survivor of the incident, reported that a fire broke out inside the basket, leading to the emergency descent of the balloon and subsequent evacuation attempts.

Praia Grande, known for its hot-air ballooning activities, witnessed a devastating event that has left the community in mourning and raised questions about safety measures.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with recreational activities like hot-air ballooning, emphasizing the importance of stringent safety protocols.

The incident in Santa Catarina follows a similar accident in Sao Paulo state last Sunday, highlighting the need for thorough investigations and preventative measures to avoid future tragedies.