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Hot air balloon crash in Brazil kills at least eight

By AAP Newswire

Jun 22, 2025

Ambulance — Brazilian authorities say a hot air balloon has crashed, killing at least eight people. -AP

At least eight people have been killed after a hot air balloon carrying 21 passengers crashed in Brazil's southern state of Santa Catarina, local and state officials say.

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The tourism balloon caught fire during the flight in early morning hours, crashing in the city of Praia Grande, according to the state fire department.

Thirteen survivors were transported to nearby hospitals, according to the fire department.

Footage shared by local news outlet G1 showed billows of smoke coming from the balloon in flames as it hurdled towards the ground.

"We are in mourning. A tragedy has happened. We will see how it unfolds, what happened, why it happened. But the important thing now is for the state structure to do what it can," Governor Jorginho Mello said in a video on X.

Mello said he has asked authorities to head to the municipality "to do as much as possible to rescue, to help, to take to hospital, to comfort the families".

Praia Grande is a common destination for hot-air ballooning, a popular activity in some parts of Brazil's south during June festivities that celebrate Catholic saints such as Saint John.

Last Sunday, a balloon fell in Sao Paulo state, killing a 27-year-old woman and injuring 11 others, G1 reported.

with AP

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press