A hot-air balloon ride ended in tragedy in southern Brazil when the balloon caught fire mid-air, killing eight people. The pilot, who survived, reportedly urged passengers to jump before it crashed.<\/p>\n
The accident occurred on June 21 in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, a popular spot for scenic balloon flights. Of the 21 people onboard, 13 survived, including the pilot.<\/p>\n
Police chief Ulisses Gabriel said strong winds made conditions dangerous at takeoff, requiring people to hold the balloon down. A possible gas leak may have triggered the fire, which spread despite flame-retardant materials.<\/p>\n
The balloon briefly ascended, then descended, allowing some to escape. But it rose again, still burning, trapping others. \u201cThat\u2019s when people started to panic,\u201d Gabriel said. Some jumped; others died from severe burns.<\/p>\n
Footage shows the balloon engulfed in smoke and two passengers falling. The pilot believes a backup burner in the basket started the fire. He tried to land the balloon and told passengers to jump once it neared the ground.<\/p>\n
Witnesses described harrowing scenes: burning victims falling, wreckage in a forest, and bodies found near a pasture. Around 30 balloons had launched that morning; the crashed one was among the last.<\/p>\n
Praia Grande, often called the \u201cBrazilian Cappadocia,\u201d is now the site of one of Brazil\u2019s deadliest balloon accidents. Authorities continue to investigate, citing possible weather or human error as causes.<\/p>\n