Authorities have reported that at least eight people have died following a hot air balloon crash in Brazil. The governor of Santa Catarina state, Jorginho Mello, stated that initial reports suggest there were 22 individuals on board the balloon. He confirmed that eight fatalities have been confirmed, and two survivors were rescued. Rescue teams are currently at the scene, continuing their search for the remaining individuals. The accident occurred in Praia Grande, located in the southern state of Santa Catarina.
Footage circulating online depicts the balloon's basket falling to the ground after it appeared to ignite in the air and subsequently deflate. The Santa Catarina fire department confirmed that the balloon, a popular tourist attraction, carried 22 people. Four fatalities were discovered at the scene, while emergency responders were actively treating, searching for, and assessing other victims. Local media reports indicate the hot air balloon was operated by a commercial company that regularly offers tours over the rural and mountainous areas of the Brazilian state.
This incident follows a recent hot air balloon crash in Turkey, which resulted in the death of a pilot and injuries to 19 tourists. The Turkish incident, which occurred on Sunday in central Turkey, was attributed to sudden changes in wind conditions, according to provincial governor Mehmet Ali Kumbuzoglu. Another balloon that launched from the same location also had to make an emergency landing on Sunday, resulting in minor injuries to twelve tourists.
5 Comments
Donatello
This is devastating. Let's hope all of the missing are found safe.
Fuerza
My heart goes out to the victims and their families. This is a wake-up call for stricter regulations in the tourism industry.
Manolo Noriega
22 people on a hot air balloon? That's overcapacity! This is beyond irresponsible.
Ongania
Unbelievable they'd crowd onto a basket like that. So selfish. I couldn't imagine.
Fuerza
Praying for everyone involved in this tragedy. Such a heartbreaking incident.