A tragic hot air balloon crash in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil, has resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, with 13 individuals surviving the incident. The balloon, operated by the company Sobrevoar, was carrying 21 passengers, including the pilot, when a fire erupted mid-flight. The city of Praia Grande is a popular destination known for its scenic landscapes, hot air balloon tourism, and rugged natural beauty, often referred to as the “capital of the canyons.”

According to authorities, the fire began inside the balloon’s basket shortly before the accident. The pilot, who is among the survivors, explained that a back-up burner stored in the basket caught fire. Upon realizing the flames, the pilot immediately attempted to lower the balloon and instructed passengers to jump once it was close to the ground. Some managed to jump to safety, sustaining injuries, while others were unable to escape in time. As people jumped, the balloon’s weight decreased, causing it to briefly ascend again before its final, fatal descent. It was later reported that the balloon detached from the basket as the fire spread, sending the basket plummeting to the ground.

Of the eight victims, four died from severe burns, while the other four tragically jumped from the balloon in a desperate attempt to survive. Heartbreakingly, three victims were found embracing each other in death at the crash site. The condition of the 13 survivors, who were rushed to nearby hospitals, remains unclear. While initial reports stated 21 people were on board, some sources indicated a possible 22nd person, a woman, may have boarded at the last minute, though authorities confirmed no one remains missing.

Brazilian officials have expressed profound grief and committed to a thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster. Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello, currently on an official mission in China, activated “the entire state structure” to support rescue efforts and assist affected families, stating, “We are in mourning, what happened is a tragedy.” President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also extended his condolences and assured that federal, state, and municipal forces were engaged in recovery operations. Sobrevoar, the operating company, released a statement expressing their sorrow and acknowledging the pilot’s extensive experience and adherence to emergency procedures. Investigations are ongoing to determine if equipment failure, weather conditions, or human error contributed to one of Brazil’s worst recent ballooning disasters.