Hot Air Balloon Crash in Praia Grande, Brazil: Eight Fatalities, Thirteen Injuries

On Saturday morning, a hot air balloon accident occurred in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil, resulting in eight fatalities and thirteen injuries. The balloon, carrying a total of twenty-one people including the pilot, caught fire mid-flight before crashing to the ground. This information was confirmed by the Governor of Santa Catarina, Jorginho Mello, via posts on X (formerly Twitter).

Footage from the incident, shared by the local news outlet G1, shows the balloon engulfed in flames as it descended. Emergency rescue teams responded to the scene to assist survivors and recover the deceased. The thirteen survivors were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Governor Mello stated that state teams are providing support to the families of both the victims and survivors.

Praia Grande, known as the “Capital of Canyons” due to its eleven canyons, including those within the Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral National Parks, is a popular tourist destination. Hot air ballooning is a common activity in the region, particularly during June festivities celebrating Catholic saints such as Saint John.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Governor Mello, in a video statement on X, expressed the state’s mourning and commitment to investigating the incident to determine the cause. He emphasized the immediate priority was providing rescue, medical care, and support to the affected families.

This incident follows a similar accident last Sunday in Sao Paulo state, where a hot air balloon crash resulted in one fatality and eleven injuries, according to G1. The report also notes several other fatal hot air balloon accidents in various locations in recent years, including incidents in Arizona, Australia, and Mexico.

As of the latest reports, the investigation into the Praia Grande accident is ongoing. Authorities are working to determine the precise sequence of events leading to the crash and to identify any contributing factors. Further details regarding the investigation and the identities of the victims are expected to be released in due course.

The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with hot air ballooning and highlights the importance of rigorous safety protocols and maintenance procedures within the industry. The ongoing investigation will likely focus on these aspects to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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