Sat Jun 21 21:46:32 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
A hot-air balloon caught fire and crashed in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil on Saturday, June 21, 2025, killing eight people and injuring thirteen. The balloon, carrying 21 people, experienced a fire in its basket, leading the pilot to attempt a landing. While some passengers jumped to safety, eight perished, either from the fire or the fall. Authorities are investigating the incident, and the balloon company, Sobrevoar, has suspended operations. This incident follows another balloon accident in Sao Paulo the previous week, raising concerns about the safety of hot-air ballooning in Brazil.
**News Article:**
**Eight Killed in Hot-Air Balloon Crash in Southern Brazil**
*Rio De Janeiro, June 22, 2025* – A tragic hot-air balloon accident in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil, on Saturday has claimed the lives of eight people. The balloon, operated by Sobrevoar, caught fire mid-air and crashed to the ground, also leaving thirteen injured.
According to the Santa Catarina military fire brigade, the incident occurred around 8 a.m. local time. A fire ignited in the balloon’s basket, prompting the pilot to attempt an emergency landing. While thirteen passengers, including the pilot, managed to jump to safety, eight others were unable to escape. Reports indicate that some victims died due to the fire, while others perished after jumping from the burning balloon.
“We are in mourning. A tragedy has happened,” said Gov. Jorginho Mello on X, formerly Twitter, adding that the state is providing support to victims and local authorities. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also expressed his condolences and offered federal assistance.
Local news outlet G1 reported that the balloon was expected to reach 1,000 metres and the flight time was 45 minutes costing around $100. Sobrevoar, the company responsible for the flight, stated that it complied with all regulations and had a clean accident record. However, the company has suspended all operations indefinitely following the incident.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the crash, with results expected within 30 days. The pilot has already provided testimony, and investigators will gather statements from survivors.
This accident follows a similar incident in Sao Paulo state last week, where a balloon crash resulted in one death and eleven injuries, raising concerns about the safety of hot-air ballooning in Brazil, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Praia Grande, known as the “Brazilian Cappadocia”.
First Piper 