Tragedy in Praia Grande as 22-person balloon crashes; video footage circulates online
At least eight people have died after a hot air balloon carrying 22 passengers crashed in Praia Grande, located in Brazil’s southern state of Santa Catarina.
The balloon, reportedly on a tourist flight, went down early Saturday morning under unconfirmed weather conditions.
Shocking video footage of the wreckage has since surfaced online, showing emergency crews at the crash site. The remaining survivors were rushed to local hospitals, some in critical condition.
Investigation Underway
Brazilian civil aviation authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, with early reports pointing to a possible equipment failure or wind instability.
According to local media, the hot air balloon was operated by a commercial tour company offering panoramic flights over Santa Catarina’s mountainous landscapes, a popular activity in the region.
Global Condolences
The crash has sparked mourning across Brazil and abroad, as images from the crash site circulate widely. Officials have yet to release the identities of the victims.
