A tragic incident occurred in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil, where a hot air balloon caught fire and fell, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals, according to firefighters. Distressing footage from local news shows the balloon engulfed in flames as it descended, with some passengers visible falling from the basket as the fire spread.
The region’s civil police chief, Ulisses Gabriel, revealed that three of the victims were found embracing, illustrating the horrifying circumstances of their last moments. Out of the 21 people on board, including the pilot, 13 survived and were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Governor Jorginho Mello commented on the tragedy, expressing deep sorrow and vowing to provide support for rescue efforts and assistance to the victims’ families. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also extended his condolences and promised federal support for those affected and local authorities.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the fire originated within the basket. The pilot, who survived, reportedly instructed passengers to jump just before the balloon hit the ground. However, not everyone was able to escape in time, leading to the deadly crash.
The balloon, operated by a company called Sobrevoar, had a successful safety record prior to the incident and was reportedly following all regulations. The anticipated flight was planned for 45 minutes, ascending to 1,000 metres, with ticket prices around R$550 (approximately AUD 154) per passenger. In light of the disaster, Sobrevoar has suspended its operations indefinitely and expressed its devastation over the incident, highlighting the pilot’s adherence to safety protocols in attempting to mitigate the disaster.
Praia Grande is known as a prime location for hot air ballooning in Brazil, often referred to as the “Brazilian Cappadocia” due to its picturesque canyon landscapes. This incident is particularly poignant as it follows a recent tragedy in São Paulo, where another balloon crash resulted in a fatality and multiple injuries.
The local community and authorities are now focused on providing support to those affected and understanding the circumstances that led to this catastrophic event.