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Hot Air Balloon Fire Kills 8 in Brazil’s Santa Catarina
At least eight people were killed Saturday after a hot air balloon carrying 21 passengers caught fire mid-air and crashed in southern Brazil, authorities said.
"Eight fatalities and 13 survivors," Santa Catarina state governor Jorginho Mello confirmed on X.
The tragic incident occurred over the coastal town of Praia Grande, a popular destination for hot-air ballooning. Eyewitness videos broadcast on Brazilian television showed the balloon engulfed in flames as it floated in clear weather conditions. The basket, carrying passengers, was seen plunging in flames from a considerable height.
Emergency services responded quickly, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident.
This is the second fatal hot-air balloon incident in Brazil within a week. Just days earlier, a woman died during a balloon ride in São Paulo state.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims. Safety measures around commercial ballooning in Brazil are likely to come under increased scrutiny following the twin tragedies.