Deadly Hot Air Balloon Crash in Brazil Kills Eight, Triggers National Inquiry
What started as a scenic hot air balloon tour over the stunning southern region of Brazil ended in heartbreak on the morning of June 21. A sudden fire mid-flight over Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, resulted in the deaths of eight people and left 13 others injured.
The balloon, operated by the tourism company Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, departed with 21 passengers onboard, all anticipating sweeping views of the region’s lush forests and farmland. But according to survivor accounts and initial reports, a fire suddenly ignited in the balloon’s basket while airborne.
Pilot Tiago Luiz Lemos, who survived the incident, said he was forced to make an emergency descent and urged passengers to jump as the balloon neared the ground. Thirteen individuals, including Lemos, were able to escape. However, once the weight decreased, the balloon unexpectedly lifted again—this time with eight people still inside—before losing altitude and crashing fatally.
Investigators suspect the fire may have stemmed from a gas leak linked to a backup burner, possibly aggravated by strong winds during launch. At the time of takeoff, the balloon was reportedly being stabilized by ground cables and a support vehicle—details now under close scrutiny.
Both the civil police and Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) have opened a formal investigation. Preliminary findings are expected within the next month.
