A serious accident struck the Brazilian aerostatic community this morning (local time), when a hot air balloon (model Golfier G32-13000), carrying 21 people on board, crashed in Praia Grande, in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, after catching fire. The toll, confirmed by local authorities, is eight fatalities and thirteen injured, including the pilot. A rare event in the "lighter-than-air" sector. According to initial reconstructions and statements released by law enforcement and the state government, the flames broke out due to a burner malfunction during the flight, causing the basket with pilot and passengers to fall.

The governor of Santa Catarina, Jorginho Mello, expressed his deep condolences for the incident. In a video message released recently, he explained how prompt the fire brigade’s response was to the emergency, accelerating rescue operations and assistance to the victims and their families. "We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy", he stated, emphasizing the commitment of institutions to providing maximum support. The thirteen survivors, including the pilot, were dispatched to nearby hospitals, and their conditions are under close and constant monitoring.

Investigations into the exact dynamics of the fire and the fall are ongoing. The chief of police of Praia Grande, Tiago Luiz Lemos, reported to the local press that the pilot confirmed the likely cause of the accident as the malfunction of the burner (which pushes hot air into the balloon, editor’s note). No further details have been provided at this time.

The balloon operator, "SobreVoar", according to information on its website, conducts hot air balloon flights that can accommodate up to 24 people, reaching altitudes above 1000 meters with a duration of about 45 minutes. The company asserts that all its balloons are new and duly registered with the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). Authorities have launched an inquiry to verify compliance with all safety regulations and to determine the causes that led to this tragic fatality. Official statements from ANAC regarding the status of licenses and inspections related to the balloon involved are expected in the coming hours.

Below, the video of the incident posted on-line by "OCP News":