A hot air balloon accident in the Brazilian city of Praia Grande has left at least eight people dead, according to Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello.
The balloon, carrying 21 people, caught fire mid-flight on Saturday morning. The pilot, one of 13 survivors, reported that a fire broke out in the basket, prompting him to attempt an emergency descent and instruct passengers to jump.
Some managed to escape, but others were trapped as the balloon briefly rose again before crashing near a health centre.
All survivors were taken to nearby hospitals. President Lula expressed condolences and pledged federal support, while Mello vowed a full investigation into the tragedy.
🔥🚨BREAKING: A Hot air balloon carrying 21 people caught on fire and crashed in southern Brazil. pic.twitter.com/ClReLQtMuD
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) June 21, 2025
