Brazil Hot Air Balloon Tragedy: 8 Killed, 13 Survive in Santa Catarina Fire

At least eight people were killed on Saturday after a hot air balloon carrying 21 passengers caught fire midair in southern Brazil, according to Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello.

“Eight fatalities and 13 survivors,” Mello confirmed in a statement on social media platform X.

Dramatic videos captured by bystanders and aired on Brazilian television showed the balloon engulfed in flames as it flew over the coastal town of Praia Grande under clear weather conditions.

The passenger basket then plunged dozens of meters to the ground while still ablaze.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the tragic incident.

Praia Grande, located along Brazil’s Atlantic coast, is a well-known hub for hot-air ballooning enthusiasts. Saturday’s deadly accident marks the second fatal ballooning incident in the country within a week — a woman also died during a ride in São Paulo state just days earlier.