Deadly Hot-Air Balloon Crash in Santa Catarina, Brazil—June 21, 2025
Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil— On the morning of June 21, 2025, a hot-air balloon tragically caught fire mid-air and crashed near the town of Praia Grande. Eight of the 21 people on board lost their lives, while 13 others survived, some with serious injuries.
Location & Context
- Where it happened: The accident occurred in the Cachoeira de Nova Fátima region of Praia Grande, nestled in Southern Brazil’s Santa Catarina state—a region nicknamed the “Brazilian Cappadocia” for its canyon landscapes and overwhelming popularity for balloon flights.
- Operator and balloon: The experience was operated by Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, using a Golfier Balloons G‑32‑13000 with tail number BR‑MEA3, carrying 20 passengers and one pilot.
Accident Details
- Just minutes after takeoff around 7 a.m., a backup torch located in the basket ignited spontaneously.
- The pilot performed an emergency descent and instructed passengers to jump as the balloon neared the ground.
- Of the 21 occupants, 13 escaped, though some were injured during the jump or by the fire.
- Unfortunately, 8 individuals remained trapped, four burned in the basket, and four fell before escaping. After burning off, the empty balloon rose again briefly before crashing permanently.
Victims & Response
- Casualties included a diverse group: doctors, a teacher, a professional skater, and others—reflecting the touristic nature of the flight.
- Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello and Brazilian President Lula expressed condolences and pledged support for victims and rescue operations.
Investigation & Safety Concerns
- Authorities, including Civil Police and Fire Brigade, launched investigations to determine exact causes and whether safety protocols were followed.
- While ANAC (Brazil’s aviation authority) recognizes ballooning as high-risk and regulates pilot qualifications and equipment, the activity remains only lightly regulated.
- This was Brazil’s deadliest balloon accident to date and the world’s most fatal since a 2016 crash in Texas that killed 16.
Touristic Significance & Aftermath
Praia Grande is a top hot-air balloon destination—with over 30 balloons daily during high season, flights reaching 1,000 m altitude, often at sunrise. Operators such as Ar Quente, Canyons Sul, João do Balão, and Sobrevoar have earned praise for safety and scenic experiences—with flights often followed by celebratory gatherings at launch sites.
In the wake of this tragedy, Sobrevoar suspended all balloon flights indefinitely. Insight into the exact cause of ignition may prompt wider regulatory scrutiny and review of hot-air balloon safety standards.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| When | June 21, 2025, early morning |
| Where | Cachoeira de Nova Fátima, Praia Grande, Santa Catarina |
| Fatalities & Injuries | 8 dead, 13 injured out of 21 people onboard |
| Cause | In-flight fire ignited by a reserve torch |
| Operator | Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos (balloon model Golfier G‑32‑13000) |
| Aftermath | Balloon rides suspended; investigations pending; high scrutiny on safety |
This tragedy highlights the hidden risks of adventure tourism. As regulations evolve, both operators and regulators must prioritize rigorous safety checks—especially regarding onboard equipment like backup torches.
Recommended Article: Delta 767 Engine Fire Sparks Emergency Evacuation at Seattle Airport
References & Further Reading
- The Guardian – Brazil hot-air balloon crash kills at least eight people
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/21/brazil-hot-air-balloon-crash - People Magazine – At Least 8 Dead After Hot Air Balloon Catches Fire Mid-Air
https://people.com/hot-air-balloon-accident-kills-8-passengers-jumped-to-escape-fire-11758869 - UOL Notícias (Brazilian source, Portuguese) – Balão pega fogo e cai em SC
https://noticias.uol.com.br/cotidiano/ultimas-noticias/2025/06/21/balao-cai-santa-catarina-mortes.htm - G1 Globo – Investigação aponta que fogo começou em maçarico reserva do balão
https://g1.globo.com/sc/santa-catarina/noticia/2025/06/22/incendio-balao-sc-investigacao.htm - ANAC (Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency) – Ballooning Safety Regulations
https://www.gov.br/anac/ - CNN Brasil – Acidente com balão deixa mortos em SC
https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/nacional/acidente-balao-praia-grande-sc/ - Folha de S. Paulo – Balão pega fogo em SC e mata oito pessoas
https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/cotidiano/2025/06/balao-pegou-fogo-e-caiu-em-praia-grande-sc-matando-8-pessoas.shtml - Omni News Sweden – Åtta döda när luftballong kraschade i Brasilien
https://omni.se/a/yEBPAE
