A hot-air balloon carrying over 20 people caught fire and crashed in Brazil’s deep south state of Santa Catarina on Saturday morning. Footage posted online showed the balloon plummeting to earth, engulfed in flames, with at least two occupants seen falling to the ground.
The crash occurred near the town of Praia Grande, a major tourist destination known as “Brazilian Cappadocia”. Governor Jorginho Mello expressed concern over the incident, saying rescue workers were sent to the scene. The pilot reported that the fire started from a reserve torch inside the balloon’s basket and attempted to descend quickly before ordering passengers to jump.
Eight people died in the crash, with 13 survivors reportedly injured. Witnesses described a “desperate scene” as people tried to escape the flames. The incident is under investigation.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/21/brazil-hot-air-balloon-crash