New Delhi: At least eight people were killed and 13 injured after a hot air balloon carrying 21 passengers caught fire in Brazil’s Santa Catarina on Saturday morning (Brazil time).
The injured people were rushed to a hospital for immediate attention and treatment, Santa Catarina’s military fire brigade informed.
“We are all shocked by the accident involving a balloon in Praia Grande this Saturday morning. Our rescue team is already on site… So far, we have confirmed eight deaths and two survivors,” local governor Jorginho Mello shared on X.
A video which has gone viral on social media shows the hot air balloon catching fire mid-air. The balloon starts deflating before collapsing to the ground.
Smoke can be seen coming out of the balloon as it deflates.
Moment burning hot air balloon PLUMMETS to ground
Terrifying footage of tragedy in southern Brazil
Officials say at least 8 dead and 2 SURVIVORS pic.twitter.com/Q2bC3qZNWW
— RT (@RT_com) June 21, 2025
A similar mishap took place six days ago in Brazil’s Sao Paulo, according to news portal g1.globo.com. A 27-year-old woman was killed and 11 others injured when another hot air balloon fell.