Jun 21, 2025 08:24 PM IST
The state governor of Santa Carina in Brazil has stated that a search and rescue operation is underway for the other 12 passengers on the hot-air balloon
The governor of Santa Carina in Brazil confirmed on Saturday that at least eight people had died after a hot-air balloon with an approximately 22 people crashed in the state.
In a post on X, Jorginho Mello said, “We are all shocked by the accident involving a balloon in Praia Grande, this Saturday morning. Our rescue team is already on site. Preliminary information indicates that there were 22 people on board. So far, we have confirmed 8 deaths and 2 survivors rescued alive. The teams continue to search for the others.”
A video posted to social media shows the hot air balloon catch fire while in the sky. The balloon then deflated and fell to to the ground, with the basket carrying the passengers plummeting several meters.
Praia Grande, on the Atlantic coast, is a popular destination for hot-air ballooning in Brazil. This marks the second fatal balloon accident in the country in just a few days. Less than a week ago, a woman died during a ride in southeastern Sao Paulo state.
(Details awaited. Developing story.)
