A peaceful morning turned into a nightmare in southern Brazil when a hot-air balloon caught fire mid-flight, resulting in a devastating crash that killed eight people.
The incident occurred in Praia Grande, a popular ballooning spot known as the “Brazilian Cappadocia” for its stunning landscapes similar to Turkey’s famous balloon region.
Pilot Urges Passengers to Jump Amid Flames and Chaos
According to police chief Ulisses Gabriel from Santa Catarina state, strong winds made the balloon unstable right from takeoff.
A truck was seen pulling the balloon with a cable, causing it to swing violently.
This intense movement likely caused a gas leak that sparked the fire, despite the balloon’s flame-retardant material.
“The balloon went up, caught fire, and then started to come down,” Chief Gabriel explained.
“Some 13 people, including the pilot, managed to escape.
But the balloon rose again with some passengers still on board, and that’s when panic set in.”
Passengers who remained trapped faced terrifying choices, with some jumping to their deaths and others tragically succumbing to burns after the balloon crashed.
Harrowing Footage Captures Moments of Horror
Videos shared by local news showed the balloon engulfed in flames as it plummeted toward the ground.
One chilling clip circulating on social media even shows two passengers falling through the air, highlighting the scale of the disaster.
Investigation Points to Possible Causes: Weather and Equipment
While rescue teams continue to search for survivors and missing persons, investigators are looking into what caused the blaze.
The pilot suspects the fire started in a backup burner stored in the basket, but it’s unclear if it ignited accidentally or was left lit.
Chief Gabriel mentioned that weather conditions, specifically strong winds, could have played a significant role, along with potential human error.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture
Local witnesses described the shocking scene to reporters.
One saw two people falling while on fire, and after the basket broke apart, the balloon collapsed entirely.
Another noted seeing survivors covered in mud and a few bodies lying nearby.
Residents also reported that around 30 balloons were flying that morning, with the ill-fated one being among the last to take off.
Some locals warned that the day’s weather was not ideal for ballooning.
Rescue Efforts and Official Responses
The Santa Catarina Military Fire Department confirmed multiple fatalities at the crash site and said emergency teams were actively treating survivors and continuing the search.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences and assured that the federal government would support the victims and rescue teams.
Recent Hot-Air Balloon Tragedy Raises Safety Concerns
This heartbreaking crash comes less than a week after another hot-air balloon accident in São Paulo left one woman dead and several others injured.
The recurring incidents are raising questions about the safety measures in place for balloon rides across Brazil.