Eight Fatalities in Hot Air Balloon Accident in Brazil
A hot air balloon accident in Praia Grande, Brazil, resulted in eight fatalities and 13 survivors.
On June 21, 2025, a hot air balloon accident occurred in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil, resulting in eight fatalities and 13 survivors. The balloon, operated by the company Sobrevoar, carried 21 individuals. Governor Jorginho Mello confirmed the incident and stated that rescue teams were dispatched to the scene. The pilot, who survived, reported that a fire started in the basket during the flight. In response, he attempted to lower the balloon and instructed passengers to jump when it was close to the ground; however, not all were able to do so. The balloon subsequently caught fire and crashed. Sobrevoar, the operating company, has suspended all operations indefinitely. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Governor Mello have expressed condolences and pledged support for the victims and their families. This incident follows another fatal balloon crash in São Paulo state a week prior, raising concerns about ballooning safety in Brazil.