A hot-air balloon carrying 21 people in Brazil caught fire Saturday morning and crashed. Eight people would have their lives taken away from them.
The crash happened in Santa Catarina, a state in Brazil’s south, after the fire started in the basket, forcing the pilot to attempt to land.
A further 13 people, including the pilot, were injured in the incident.
Shocking footage shared on social media has shown smoke coming from the balloon, which was in flames as it hurtled towards the ground and crashed into a rural area near a health center.
According to the pilot, the source of the blaze was a backup burner located in the aircraft’s basket.
We are now finding out more information from witnesses in the area of this tragic accident as new footage has emerged from the hot air balloon incident.
One witness stated that it “Didn’t even want to take off,” as the footage below shows.
According to witnesses, the balloon seemed heavy and struggled to lift off.
Also, the balloon pilot reportedly attempted an emergency landing after noticing flames inside the basket. He even urged passengers to jump to their safety.
🚨😳 “Didn’t even want to take off…”: Witnesses describe problems before hot air balloon crash in Brazil
New footage shows the hot air balloon still on the ground moments before the tragic crash that killed 8 people and left 14 survivors in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina (SC),… pic.twitter.com/JQa4RxOC8e
— Brand Leakage (@Brandleakage) June 21, 2025
Despite his efforts, the fire spread rapidly.
What’s Next After The Hot Air Balloon Accident?
Eight people have died after a hot-air balloon caught fire and tumbled from the sky in Brazil.
The pilot of the balloon that caught fire mid-air in southern Brazil urged passengers to jump before it crashed to the ground and killed eight, it has been revealed.
Authorities have opened an investigation, and the results will be made public within 30 days, Santa Catarina’s public safety secretary, Flïvio Graff, told journalists.
