A hot air balloon crashed in Praia Grande, Brazil, on June 21, killing eight people. Governor Jorginho Mello confirmed on Twitter: “21 people on board – 8 fatalities, 13 survivors.” Survivors were rushed to local hospitals.
Footage shared online shows the balloon engulfed in flames before it deflated and crashed. The Santa Catarina Fire Department said, “The other victims are being treated, searched for, and evaluated by our teams.”
The tragedy comes just days after another hot air balloon crash in Turkey, where sudden wind changes caused a fatal accident that killed the pilot and injured 19.
This incident adds to a string of recent aviation tragedies. On June 12, an Air India flight crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 people. The only known survivor, 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, said, “When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I stood up and ran.”
Just days later, a helicopter carrying Hindu pilgrims crashed in India’s Himalayas, killing all seven on board, including a child. Authorities believe poor weather played a role.
Brazilian officials continue rescue efforts and are offering support to victims’ families. Governor Mello stated: “Our teams continue to provide all necessary support.”