Mon Jun 23 18:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Hot Air Balloon Tragedy in Brazil Claims Eight Lives
**Praia Grande, Brazil -** At least eight people are dead and 13 survived after a hot air balloon carrying 21 people crashed in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil on Saturday. Local Governor Jorginho Mello confirmed the deaths on social media, expressing shock and stating that rescue teams were on the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing the balloon catch fire mid-air before deflating and plummeting to the ground. “We saw two people fall from above, and soon after the basket broke, and the balloon fell,” one eyewitness told Jornal Razão. The witness described finding two survivors in shock near the crash site.
Video circulating on social media shows the balloon ablaze before its descent.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva offered his condolences and the Federal Government’s support to the victims’ families and local authorities.
Praia Grande is a popular hot air ballooning destination, especially during the June festivities celebrating Catholic saints.
“My solidarity with the city of Praia Grande… We are in mourning. It’s a tragedy that happened. We will check the developments, what happened, and why it happened,” Governor Mello said.
The incident is the third involving a hot air balloon in Brazil in less than a week, according to CNN Brasil. Last Sunday, a balloon carrying 35 unauthorized passengers crashed in São Paulo, resulting in one death and the pilot’s arrest. Another balloon fell on the coast of São Paulo last Thursday, causing no major damage.
The cause of Saturday’s crash is under investigation. This is a developing story.
First Piper 