A recreational hot-air balloon flight turned into a nightmare on June 21 in Praia Grande, Brazil, as a fire broke out mid-air, leading to a deadly crash that killed at least eight people and injured several others.

 

The balloon, which had 21 confirmed occupants and possibly a 22nd unregistered rider, caught fire shortly after takeoff. Thirteen passengers jumped from the balloon when it neared the ground, escaping with injuries. The others were unable to escape and perished when the balloon broke apart in the air.

 

Video footage circulating on social media shows the balloon burning fiercely and two people falling through the sky. Witnesses on the ground described a scene of chaos, with the basket plummeting and bodies found near a pasture. One survivor was seen limping away; another was reportedly in shock.

 

The pilot, who also survived, said the fire began in a backup burner stored in the basket. “I tried to land quickly and told everyone to jump,” he said. After some passengers jumped, the balloon, now lighter, rose again, leaving others trapped in the burning basket until it detached and crashed.

 

Governor Jorginho Mello called the incident a “tragedy,” pledging full support for rescue efforts. “We will do all we can to help and bring comfort to the families,” he said. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and emergency teams remain on-site.