Rescue team member at hot air balloon crash site in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil, June 21, 2025.
VIDEO: At least eight dead after hot-air balloon catches fire, crashes in Brazil
At least eight people died and 13 others were injured Saturday morning after a hot-air balloon caught fire and fell from the sky in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, local officials confirmed.
Video footage captured by bystanders and broadcast on Brazilian TV showed the balloon engulfed in flames before its basket plunged dozens of meters to the ground.
Santa Catarina’s military fire brigade said 21 people were on board, including the pilot. Survivors were taken to hospitals for treatment.
State governor Jorginho Mello posted on X, “Our teams continue to provide all necessary support to families and victims. We continue to monitor the situation.”
Atualização do acidente:
— Jorginho Mello (@jorginhomello) June 21, 2025
21 pessoas a bordo - 8 vítimas fatais, 13 sobreviventes.
Nossas equipes seguem prestando todo apoio necessário às famílias e vítimas.
Continuamos acompanhando a situação.
This incident follows a similar accident last Sunday in Sao Paulo state, where a balloon crash killed a 27-year-old woman and injured 11 others.
Praia Grande, near the crash site, is a popular destination for hot-air ballooning during June festivities celebrating Catholic saints such as Saint John.
