A hot air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire and crashed in Praia Grande, southern Brazil, killing at least eight. The tragedy occurred during clear weather and was captured on video. Governor Jorginho Mello expressed condolences and deployed emergency support. It marks the second fatal balloon accident in Brazil within a week. An investigation is underway.

At least eight people were killed on Saturday when a hot air balloon carrying 21 passengers caught fire and crashed in southern Brazil, marking one of the deadliest ballooning accidents in the country’s recent history.

The tragic incident occurred in the state of Santa Catarina, in the coastal town of Praia Grande, a popular destination for hot-air ballooning enthusiasts. The region, known for its scenic landscapes and mild winter skies, often attracts visitors for balloon rides, especially during the month of June when Brazil celebrates a series of Catholic festivals known as the Festas Juninas, in honor of saints such as Saint John, Saint Anthony, and Saint Peter.

Governor Jorginho Mello of Santa Catarina addressed the public through a video message posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing his deep sorrow over the incident. “We are in mourning. A tragedy has happened. We will see how it unfolds, what happened, why it happened. But the important thing now is for the state structure to do what it can,” Mello stated.

He added that he had instructed local emergency response agencies and health services to mobilize quickly and provide all necessary support. “I have asked authorities to head to the municipality to do as much as possible to rescue the victims, help those injured, take people to hospitals, and comfort the families,” he said.

Shocking footage recorded by bystanders and aired on Brazilian television showed the harrowing moment when the balloon suddenly burst into flames while airborne, hovering above the picturesque coastline. The weather conditions were reportedly clear at the time. As the fire consumed the balloon's basket, it plummeted dozens of meters to the ground, with thick smoke trailing behind and screams echoing in the background.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and horrifying. Emergency services rushed to the crash site, but the intensity of the flames made rescue efforts extremely difficult. Some survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals with severe burns and injuries, while others died instantly at the scene.

This devastating event is the second fatal hot air balloon accident in Brazil in less than a week. Just days earlier, a woman lost her life during a similar balloon ride in the southeastern state of São Paulo, raising fresh concerns about safety regulations and oversight in the country’s growing adventure tourism sector.

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the Santa Catarina accident to determine the cause of the fire and whether safety protocols were violated. Preliminary reports suggest that mechanical failure or a gas leak may have been responsible, but officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause.

As the nation mourns the victims, pressure is mounting on regulatory bodies to enforce stricter guidelines for commercial ballooning operations and ensure that such tragic accidents are not repeated.