8 Killed, 13 Injured in Hot Air Balloon Fire Crash in Brazil’s Santa Catarina
A hot air balloon carrying 21 passengers caught fire and crashed in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, killing eight people and injuring 13. The early morning incident, captured on video, showed the balloon engulfed in flames before plummeting to the ground. Rescue teams rushed survivors to hospitals, and authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze. The tragedy follows a similar accident in Sao Paulo last week, prompting concerns about aerial tourism safety.
The accident occurred around 8:20 am local time in Praia Grande, a popular hot air ballooning destination in Brazil’s southern state of Santa Catarina. The tourism balloon, carrying 21 passengers including the pilot, caught fire mid-air, leading to a rapid descent. Videos circulating on social media showed flames erupting from the basket, followed by thick smoke as the balloon deflated and crashed.
Santa Catarina’s military fire brigade confirmed eight deaths and 13 survivors, who were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Governor Jorginho Mello expressed shock, stating on X, “We are all shocked by the accident involving a balloon in Praia Grande this Saturday morning. Our rescue team is already on site… So far, we have confirmed eight deaths and two survivors.” Rescue operations continued to search for others, with initial reports suggesting 22 passengers may have been onboard.
An eyewitness told local outlet Jornal Razão, “We saw two people fall from above, and soon after the basket broke, and the balloon fell.” The witness described a chaotic scene, spotting a woman covered in mud and in shock, alongside a limping man, and two bodies at the crash site. Social media reactions on X reflected horror, with one user posting, “Tragic hot air balloon crash in Praia Grande… Questions arise about safety protocols” (
@Kroshan4k). Others shared videos, amplifying calls for stricter regulations.
The Santa Catarina state government pledged support to victims’ families and vowed to strengthen aerial tourism regulations. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities yet to determine whether mechanical failure, human error, or external factors were responsible. Praia Grande, often called Brazil’s Cappadocia for its vibrant ballooning scene, attracts tourists during June festivities celebrating Catholic saints like Saint John.
This marks the second hot air balloon accident in Brazil within a week. On June 15, a balloon crash in Sao Paulo state killed a 27-year-old woman and injured 11 others, according to G1. The recent spate of incidents has intensified scrutiny of safety standards in Brazil’s aerial tourism industry, which has grown in popularity but faced criticism for lax oversight.
In 2023, Brazil reported three balloon-related incidents, injuring 19 people, per aviation records. Experts note that fires in hot air balloons are rare but catastrophic, often linked to fuel system malfunctions or burner issues. The Civil Aviation Authority of Brazil is expected to review operator licenses and safety protocols following the tragedy.
