A hot air balloon caught fire and crashed in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. The accident occurred early Saturday morning local time in the Atlantic coastal city of Praia Grande. At least eight people were killed and 13 injured.
The military fire brigade of Santa Catarina said that the tourist balloon with 21 passengers on board suddenly caught fire and crashed. Video footage broadcast by local media G1 showed the balloon burning and billowing smoke as it descended from a great height. The fire service said that the passengers who survived the accident were taken to a local hospital.
Santa Catarina Governor Jorgenson Melo said in a video message posted on X.X. “We are sad. A major accident has occurred. It is not yet clear how or why this accident happened – we will see later.” “But now it is urgent that all structures in the province do their utmost to rescue, treat and support the families.”
He added that he had ordered the relevant authorities to send assistance to the scene of the accident.
The city of Praia Grande is well-known for its hot air balloon rides. Balloon rides become popular in various regions of southern Brazil around the feast of Catholic saints, including Saint John, in June. According to G1, another hot air balloon accident in Sao Paulo state on Sunday killed a 27-year-old woman and injured 11 others.