A tragic hot air balloon accident in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, on June 21, 2025, killed eight people and injured 13. The balloon, operated by Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, caught fire mid-air, forcing a desperate emergency landing attempt.

“According to the pilot… a fire started inside the basket,” Officer Tiago Luiz Lemos told BBC. As flames spread, the pilot urged passengers to jump. Thirteen did, but the balloon then rose again with eight still inside. It later crashed after losing suspension.

The fire’s cause is under investigation. Early reports suggest a backup burner may have reignited, and wind conditions may have caused a gas leak. “It’s possible this movement caused a gas leak, which led to the fire,” said Police Chief Ulisses Gabriel.

Victims included couples, a mother and daughter, and a young athlete. “It hurts the soul,” Chief Gabriel posted. Eyewitnesses described people falling from the burning balloon.

Emergency teams struggled with gas leaks and fire risk. Governor Mello declared official mourning, and President Lula pledged federal support. Anac is investigating, and Sobrevoar has suspended all flights.

This crash, following a similar fatal ballooning accident weeks earlier, has sparked calls for stricter safety standards nationwide.