- Hot air balloon crashed in Praia Grande on June 21 with 21 people aboard.
- Governor confirms 8 dead, 13 survivors receiving medical attention.
- Rescue operations ongoing; cause of crash under investigation.
A tragic hot air balloon accident occurred Saturday morning in Praia Grande, Brazil, killing at least eight people. The balloon was carrying 21 passengers when it crashed, prompting a large-scale emergency response from local authorities.
Though the exact cause of the crash is not yet known, distressing videos have surfaced on social media, allegedly showing the balloon’s descent. Officials are continuing rescue and recovery efforts while offering support to victims’ families.
Brazil Balloon Disaster: 8 Killed, Survivors Hospitalized in Praia Grande Crash
On the morning of June 21, a sightseeing hot air balloon carrying 21 people crashed in Praia Grande, a coastal area in Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Governor Jorginho Mello first broke the news on social media, revealing the heartbreaking loss of life and ongoing search operations.
While initial reports cited 22 passengers, the official count was later corrected to 21. Of these, 13 people survived and were immediately taken to hospitals in the region for urgent treatment. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the victims.
The Brazilian Civil Aviation Authority is expected to launch a formal investigation into the crash. Questions are already being raised regarding safety protocols, pilot licensing, and balloon capacity regulations in the country’s growing balloon tourism industry.
Graphic videos believed to show the crash have gone viral online, prompting warnings from officials to refrain from spreading distressing content. Community members and officials have expressed deep sorrow as the region mourns one of its worst aviation-related tragedies in recent years.
As investigations continue, Brazil grieves the devastating loss while authorities vow transparency and support for affected families during this difficult time.
“We are all shocked by the accident involving a balloon in Praia Grande.” – Governor Jorginho Mello
