Tragic Hot-Air Balloon Fire in Brazil Claims 8 Lives
A hot-air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire mid-air in southern Brazil, killing 8 and injuring 13. The tragedy occurred during a scenic ride in Praia Grande.
On the morning of 21st June 2025, a terrible accident happened in southern Brazil. A hot-air balloon caught fire while flying over Praia Grande, a place famous for its beautiful balloon rides.
The balloon was carrying 21 people – 20 passengers and 1 pilot. It was a sightseeing ride over the canyons in an area often called "Brazil’s Cappadocia", like the popular balloon area in Turkey.
The fire started inside the basket, where all passengers were standing. Officials think the backup burner may have failed or suddenly switched on by mistake.
The balloon had reached a height of 1,000 metres when the fire started. The pilot saw the flames and quickly lowered the balloon, asking passengers to jump when close to the ground. Some managed to jump safely, but not everyone could escape.
Sadly, 8 people lost their lives. Four of them were burned inside the basket, and the other four died after jumping or falling. One very emotional moment was shared by local police chief Ulisses Gabriel, who said that three people were found holding each other as they fell. This scene deeply affected the rescue team.
The remaining 13 people survived, including the pilot. They were taken to the hospital, and luckily, none of them are in serious condition.
As passengers jumped out, the balloon became lighter and floated back up for a short time, but then crashed into a forest area near a health centre.
The ride was operated by Sobrevoar, a company with a clean safety record. After the crash, the company stopped all balloon flights while waiting for the investigation. In a statement, they said:
“Even with all precautions and the efforts of our experienced pilot, who followed all safety steps, we now face the pain of this tragedy.”
Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority (Anac) is now investigating. They are checking the burner system, balloon maintenance, emergency actions, and whether all safety rules were followed. Survivors and the pilot are being questioned. A full report will be shared in about a month. If needed, legal action or changes in safety laws may follow.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva shared his condolences and said the government would support the families. He added that rescue teams were already helping those affected.
This heartbreaking event has raised serious concerns about balloon safety in Brazil. Even a small technical problem in the air can become very dangerous. The pilot acted quickly and saved many lives, but still, eight families are left in sorrow.
We pray for the souls of those who passed away and hope for a speedy recovery of the survivors.
Do you think Brazil should make its hot-air balloon safety rules stricter?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments and keep following ISH News for more updates.
