An early morning balloon flight in Brazil turned catastrophic, drawing shocked reactions from witnesses and prompting a national response after a blaze broke out high above the ground.
A routine sightseeing balloon flight ended in horror on the morning of Saturday, June 21, in Praia Grande, a municipality in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. The balloon caught fire mid-air during a tourist route that included panoramic views of landmarks like the Bom Jesus Waterfall.
As the balloon hovered over the Cachoeirinha de Fátima neighborhood, what started as a discreet flame inside the basket quickly escalated. Within moments, the structure was engulfed in flames, leaving several passengers with no choice but to leap from the balloon before it plummeted to the ground.
Cell phone footage from the ground shows thick smoke pouring out of the balloon’s basket as it hovered in the sky, with the envelope crumpling before the balloon came crashing down.
The state governor of Santa Catarina confirmed the incident later that day, writing on social media, “21 people on board — 8 fatalities, 13 survivors. Our teams continue to provide all necessary support to the families and victims. We are still monitoring the situation.”
The pilot, one of the survivors, told authorities that the fire started from a backup torch stored inside the basket. It was intended for use if the main burner failed, but it unexpectedly ignited. “I don’t know if it stayed lit or if it reignited on its own, but it was the torch that started it all,” he said.
When he noticed the flame, he attempted a rapid descent and instructed passengers to jump. Some obeyed and survived with injuries. Once the basket’s weight dropped, the balloon rose again with the remaining passengers.
The fire spread quickly, destroying the structure and causing it to collapse into the forest below. None of the passengers still in the basket survived. Initial reports from the Military Fire Department confirmed that four people died at the scene. Rescuers later found more victims among the wreckage.
By the end of the morning, the death toll was revised to eight. Two survivors were taken to the hospital, though their injuries were not life-threatening. Officials noted the possibility of a 22nd, unregistered passenger. A woman may have taken up a seat left vacant on another balloon.
