At least eight people have died after a hot air balloon caught fire and crashed during a sightseeing flight in southern Brazil, in what officials are calling one of the country’s worst ballooning disasters.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday morning in the city of Praia Grande, a popular ballooning hub in Santa Catarina state. According to Governor Jorginho Mello, 21 people were aboard the balloon at the time of the accident. Thirteen, including the pilot, survived the crash, and no passengers are currently unaccounted for.
Police say the fire broke out inside the balloon’s basket while it was airborne. “The pilot attempted a controlled descent and told passengers to jump as the balloon neared the ground,” said Praia Grande police officer Tiago Luiz Lemos. “Unfortunately, some were unable to escape before the flames intensified.”
The victims include two couples, a mother and daughter, a well-known ophthalmologist, and a professional figure skater.
Survivors, many with serious burns and fractures, were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not released the names of the victims pending notification of their families.
Balloon tour company Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, which operated the flight, has suspended all operations. The firm stated it had no previous safety violations and was in full compliance with national aviation regulations.
Brazil’s Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) confirmed it is investigating the cause of the fire and the safety protocols in place at the time.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Governor Mello expressed their condolences and pledged full government support for the victims’ families. Flags across Santa Catarina are flying at half-mast as the state enters a period of mourning.
