A tragic incident occurred in Santa Catarina, Brazil, on Saturday morning when a hot-air balloon carrying 21 passengers caught fire and crashed, resulting in at least eight fatalities. The fire ignited in the balloon’s basket, prompting the pilot to make an emergency landing. Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media captured the harrowing scene of black smoke enveloping the balloon as it plummeted toward the ground in a wooded area near Praia Grande, a town renowned for its hot-air balloon rides. Thirteen survivors, including the pilot, were transported to hospitals, although their conditions have not been disclosed.
Survivors reported leaping from the balloon as soon as the flames erupted, possibly saving themselves from a worse fate. Witnesses described a horrifying scene, with four victims found charred and another four who had jumped out during the descent. The gravity of the situation resonated deeply, with local officials expressing sorrow over the loss of life. Santa Catarina’s Governor, Jorginho Mello, addressed the tragedy, emphasizing that the immediate focus must be on supporting victims’ families and investigating the cause of the incident.
The hot-air balloon ride, priced at $100 per person, was anticipated to last approximately 45 minutes and reach altitudes of about 3,280 feet. However, it remains unclear how high the balloon ascended before the fire broke out. In a statement, the hot-air balloon company, Sobrevoar, asserted that despite adhering to all recommended safety protocols and the pilot’s experience, they are devastated by the tragedy. They announced the suspension of their operations indefinitely as a precautionary measure, aligning with compliance to safety regulations.
Santa Catarina’s civil police chief, Ulisses Gabriel, detailed the emotional impact of the incident, noting that some of the victims died holding each other in their last moments. The anguish expressed by local officials captures the community’s shared grief. The Governor reaffirmed that all necessary support would be extended to the victims’ families while a thorough investigation is initiated.
In the context of hot-air balloon activities in Brazil, the region sees a significant number of flights, with around 25 to 30 balloon rides operating daily. Despite the unfortunate accident, the community’s enthusiasm for ballooning remains strong. Nonetheless, both the local and federal authorities have committed to providing assistance in the ongoing investigation of this incident.
Additionally, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva offered his condolences to the affected families, reinforcing the federal government’s willingness to aid in the inquiry. This disturbing occurrence follows a recent hot-air balloon crash in São Paulo, underscoring the potential dangers associated with ballooning despite established safety procedures. The authorities are determined to shed light on the sequence of events that led to this disaster and ensure the safety of future excursions.
