Eight Dead, 13 Injured as Hot Air Balloon Catches Fire and Crashes in Brazil
A horrific hot air balloon crash in southern Brazil has claimed eight lives and left 13 people injured. The balloon, operated by Sobrevoar, caught fire mid-air during a scenic flight near Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, and plunged to the ground in a terrifying blaze.
Flames Engulf Balloon Basket Mid-Flight
The balloon, carrying 21 passengers including the pilot, was soaring over the scenic landscape when a blowtorch used to fuel the flame apparently malfunctioned, igniting the basket in mid-air. Shocking footage shows the balloon swaying violently as flames consume the basket, with debris raining down.
Witnesses say the basket broke away, sending several passengers plummeting to their deaths. In a desperate attempt to survive, the pilot told some passengers to jump as the balloon briefly descended. Sadly, the lighter balloon then rose again, trapping and killing those left onboard once the basket was fully engulfed.
Victims Include Doctors, Teachers, and Civil Servants
The tragic dead include:
- Leise Herrmann Parizotto – respected doctor and civil servant from Blumenau, along with her mother Leane Elizabeth Herrmann
- Andrei Gabriel de Melo – ophthalmologist
- Leandro Luzzi – figure skater and teacher from Brusque
- Everaldo da Rocha and Janaina Moreira Soares da Rocha – a couple from Joinville
- Fabio Luiz Izycki and Juliane Jacinta Sawicki
Thirteen others, including the pilot, were rushed to local hospitals with injuries, confirmed the Santa Catarina fire brigade.
Investigation Launched as Blowtorch Malfunction Suspected
The Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA) and Santa Catarina aviation authorities have opened a full probe into the disaster. The surviving pilot told Jornal Razão the blaze started from the balloon’s blowtorch, used to fuel its flame.
“I don’t know if it stayed lit or reignited on its own, but it was the torch that started it all,” he said.
Nation in Mourning as Authorities Respond
Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello expressed shock over the tragedy on X (formerly Twitter):
“We are all shocked by the accident involving a balloon in Praia Grande this morning. Our teams continue to provide all necessary support to families and victims.”
The governor confirmed the death toll at eight with 13 survivors and announced crisis support is available for those affected.
Second Deadly Balloon Crash in Brazil This Week
This catastrophe follows closely on the heels of another fatal balloon accident in São Paulo state. That crash involved two balloons colliding, killing one woman and injuring 11 others.
Hot air balloon rides soar in popularity during June festivities in southern Brazil. The events celebrate Catholic saints, including Saint John and draw large tourist crowds.
Sobrevoar’s Safety Record Under Scrutiny
While Sobrevoar reportedly held all necessary flight licences, investigators will examine the balloon’s safety protocols and maintenance records amid growing safety concerns.
