A serene hot air balloon ride turned into a nightmare in southern Brazil, leaving at least eight dead and 13 others injured when flames engulfed the craft mid-flight and sent it plummeting from the sky.

The tragedy struck on Saturday morning (June 21) over Praia Grande, a popular ballooning region in Santa Catarina state. The flight, operated by Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, carried 21 passengers expecting sweeping views of forests and fields. Instead, a sudden onboard fire forced a desperate descent that ended in chaos and heartbreak.

Panic in the Skies

According to survivors, a fire ignited inside the balloon’s basket, triggering panic. Pilot Tiago Luiz Lemos, who survived, recounted that as the flames spread, he tried to lower the balloon and urged passengers to jump when it neared the ground.

Thirteen people—including the pilot—leapt to safety. But once the balloon was lighter, it shot upward again, carrying eight remaining passengers into the air. Moments later, it lost lift and crashed, consumed by fire.

“The flames started to grow and because of the weight loss, the balloon began to rise again,” Officer Lemos explained. “It later fell because of a loss of suspension.”

Investigators Search for Answers

Authorities believe a backup burner inside the basket may have reignited on its own. Strong winds during takeoff, which required ground crews to stabilize the balloon with cables and even a truck, could have contributed to a gas leak that sparked the blaze.

Despite flame-retardant materials, the fire spread rapidly. Civil police chief Ulisses Gabriel noted, “There was a truck pulling the balloon with a cable… it’s possible this caused a gas leak, which led to the fire.”

Final Moments of Victims

Among the eight victims were two couples, a mother and daughter, an ophthalmologist, and a figure skater. In a gut-wrenching revelation, three victims were reportedly found embracing in their final moments.

“It hurts the soul,” Gabriel posted on X.

Witnesses described seeing passengers fall from the sky and finding bodies near horses in a nearby pasture. One survivor, a woman covered in mud and in shock, was rescued alongside a man who was limping. Emergency responders battled leaking gas and burning wreckage to save others.

National Mourning and Investigation

Governor Jorginho Mello, currently in China, declared an official mourning period. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity, pledging federal support for victims and investigators.

Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) has launched a full probe, with preliminary results expected within 30 days. Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos has suspended operations indefinitely, stating:

“Even with all necessary precautions and the efforts of our experienced pilot… we are now faced with the pain caused by this tragedy.”

Ballooning Safety Under Scrutiny

This is Brazil’s second fatal ballooning accident in recent weeks. Earlier this month, a 27-year-old woman died and 11 others were injured in São Paulo, raising questions about balloon safety standards nationwide.

Saturday’s doomed flight was meant to last 45 minutes and reach 1,000 meters in altitude. Passengers had paid around $100 each for what was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Instead, the nation now grieves a devastating loss of life.