Hot air balloon tragedy in Brazil: 8 tourists killed, 13 injured in mid-air fire

In a tragic incident that has shaken Brazil’s popular tourist hub, Santa Catarina, a hot air balloon carrying 21 passengers caught fire mid-air and crashed, killing 8 people. The incident occurred near the city of Praia Grande during an early morning flight, drawing attention to serious safety concerns in the tourism sector.

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The hot air balloon, operated by the state’s tourism department, was conducting a routine flight when technical issues surfaced shortly after takeoff. Within minutes, the balloon ignited in the sky, turning a scenic experience into a horrifying disaster. Terrifying visuals of the balloon engulfed in flames before crashing have since gone viral, leaving the public stunned.

new fear unlocked. hot air balloon catching on fire. pic.twitter.com/chbOV5PMta

— Worn So Thin (@wornsothin)

new fear unlocked. hot air balloon catching on fire. pic.twitter.com/chbOV5PMta

— Worn So Thin (@wornsothin) June 21, 2025

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Santa Catarina, known for its beaches, boating, and aerial adventure activities like hot air ballooning, had seen a large influx of visitors over the weekend. The early morning ride was part of regular tourist offerings, but the sudden malfunction and fire have raised questions about the operational safety of such activities.

Emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving distress alerts. The state's fire department confirmed that 8 passengers lost their lives in the crash, while the remaining 13 were rescued and admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but preliminary findings suggest a technical fault may have triggered the blaze.