Eight Dead After Hot Air Balloon Crash in Brazil – Doctors, Teacher Among Victims
A tragic hot air balloon crash in southern Brazil has left eight people dead and 13 others injured, after the balloon caught fire and plummeted to the ground during a scenic flight near Praia Grande, Santa Catarina.
The doomed flight, operated by balloon company Sobrevoar, was carrying 21 people, including the pilot, when the balloon reportedly ignited mid-air—causing chaos and horror among passengers as they attempted to escape.
Flames Engulfed Basket Mid-Flight
Shocking video footage shows the balloon swaying in flames, with debris raining from the sky. Witnesses described a horrific scene as the basket broke off, sending several passengers plunging to their deaths.
According to local reports, the pilot instructed passengers to jump when the balloon descended briefly, allowing some to survive. As people leapt to safety, the lighter balloon began to rise again—trapping several remaining passengers who were eventually killed when the basket was completely engulfed.
Victims Identified: Doctors, Civil Servants, and Educators
Among the deceased were:
- Leise Herrmann Parizotto, a respected doctor and civil servant from Blumenau, and her mother Leane Elizabeth Herrmann
- Andrei Gabriel de Melo, an ophthalmologist
- Leandro Luzzi, a figure skater and teacher from Brusque
- Everaldo da Rocha and Janaina Moreira Soares da Rocha, a couple from Joinville
- Fabio Luiz Izycki and Juliane Jacinta Sawicki
Thirteen survivors, including the pilot, were rushed to nearby hospitals, according to the local fire brigade.
Investigation Underway
The Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA) and Santa Catarina’s aviation authority have launched a full investigation. The pilot, who survived, told Jornal Razão that the fire originated from a blowtorch used to fuel the balloon’s flame, and may have malfunctioned.
“I don’t know if it stayed lit or reignited on its own, but it was the torch that started it all,” he stated.
Local and National Reaction
Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“We are all shocked by the accident involving a balloon in Praia Grande this morning. Our teams continue to provide all necessary support to families and victims.”
The governor later confirmed eight fatalities and 13 survivors, adding that crisis support is being made available.
Second Balloon Tragedy in a Week
The crash comes just days after another fatal balloon incident in São Paulo state, where one woman died and 11 others were injured after two balloons collided.
Hot air balloon rides are popular in southern Brazil during June festivities honouring Catholic saints like Saint John, attracting thousands of tourists.
Sobrevoar Under Scrutiny
Though Sobrevoar reportedly held all necessary flight licences, investigators are expected to examine the safety protocols and maintenance records of the balloon.
