At least eight people lost their lives and thirteen others were injured when a hot air balloon caught fire and crashed in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina on the morning of June 21, 2025. The tragic incident took place in Praia Grande, a municipality known for its scenic ballooning activities, especially during the June festivities honoring Catholic saints like Saint John.
The tourism balloon, operated by the company Sobrevoar, was carrying 21 people, including the pilot, when the accident occurred. According to multiple official sources, including Santa Catarina’s military fire brigade and local police, the balloon caught fire while airborne and plummeted to the ground near a rural area close to a health center in Praia Grande.
Shocking footage shared by local news outlet G1 and social media videos captured the horrifying moment the balloon was engulfed in flames. Billows of smoke could be seen as the balloon hurtled toward the earth, with at least two passengers falling from the sky amid the blaze. Eyewitnesses described seeing the balloon’s basket break apart before the entire craft crashed. One eyewitness recounted finding two survivors—a woman covered in mud and a limping man—as well as two bodies near the crash site.
Ulisses Gabriel, chief of Santa Catarina’s civil police force, revealed that three victims died while embracing each other during the accident, a heartbreaking detail that underscores the tragedy’s human toll. The military fire brigade confirmed that four of the victims died from burns sustained in the basket, while the other four perished from the fall.
The pilot, who survived the crash, told authorities that the fire started inside the basket. Praia Grande police officer Tiago Luiz Lemos explained, “According to the pilot, a fire started inside the basket, so he started to lower the balloon. When the balloon was very close to the ground, he told people to jump.” However, some passengers were unable to jump before the flames intensified and the balloon briefly rose again due to the weight imbalance, only to fall because of loss of suspension.
Governor Jorginho Mello of Santa Catarina, who was on an official mission in China at the time, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “We are in mourning. A tragedy has happened. We will see how it unfolds, what happened, why it happened. But the important thing now is for the state structure to do what it can.” Mello dispatched the entire state apparatus to the site to assist with rescue efforts, medical care, and to comfort the families of the victims.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also expressed his condolences and solidarity with the families affected by the disaster. He posted on X, “I would like to place the Federal Government at the disposal of the victims and the state and municipal forces that are working on the rescue and care for the survivors.” The president’s statement highlighted the coordinated efforts between federal, state, and local authorities in responding to the emergency.
Sobrevoar, the company responsible for the balloon, stated that the pilot had “extensive experience” and followed all recommended safety procedures in an attempt to save everyone on board. Nevertheless, the company announced it was suspending all operations indefinitely pending further investigation. According to reports, the balloon’s typical flight lasted about 45 minutes, reaching altitudes of up to 1,000 meters (approximately 3,280 feet). The cost per passenger was around 550 reais, roughly equivalent to $100.
Praia Grande is a popular destination for hot air ballooning, especially during the June festivities which celebrate Catholic saints such as Saint John, whose feast day falls on June 24. These celebrations often include balloon flights over the picturesque canyon landscapes of southern Brazil, attracting tourists and locals alike.
Tragically, this was not the only balloon-related accident in Brazil in recent days. Just six days earlier, on June 15, a separate incident occurred in São Paulo state when a balloon carrying 35 people—operating without authorization—crashed, killing a 27-year-old woman and injuring 11 others. The pilot of that balloon was arrested. Additionally, on June 19, another balloon fell on the coast of São Paulo, though no serious injuries or property damage were reported.
The recent string of accidents has raised concerns about balloon safety regulations and enforcement in Brazil. Authorities have pledged thorough investigations into the causes of these incidents to prevent future tragedies.
Emergency responders worked tirelessly at the Praia Grande crash site, with approximately 20 firefighters and seven vehicles deployed to search the area and assist survivors. Hospitals in the region treated the 13 survivors, some of whom were in critical condition following burns and injuries from the fall.
The accident has left the community and the nation grieving. Praia Grande City Hall issued a statement expressing solidarity with the families affected by the balloon crash, emphasizing the city’s commitment to supporting those impacted.
As investigations continue, officials are focusing on understanding the precise cause of the fire that ignited the balloon mid-flight. The pilot mentioned uncertainty about whether the fire persisted continuously or reignited after initially being extinguished. Authorities are also reviewing the balloon’s maintenance records, safety protocols, and operational licensing, which Sobrevoar reportedly held at the time of the accident.
While hot air ballooning remains a cherished activity in southern Brazil, especially during cultural festivities, the recent events underscore the inherent risks involved and the critical importance of stringent safety measures.
For now, the focus remains on supporting survivors and families, uncovering the accident’s causes, and ensuring such a tragedy does not repeat itself.
