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 back on (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.

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.”

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.”