In a devastating incident in southern Brazil's Praia Grande, a hot-air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire and crashed, claiming the lives of at least eight individuals. The balloon, renowned for offering breathtaking views over the picturesque region, fell from the sky early on Saturday morning.
The state’s military fire brigade reported the crash occurred just after 8 a.m. local time when the balloon erupted into flames, quickly plummeting to the ground. Thirteen passengers managed to escape the burning balloon before it fell into a dense forest area. Images shared widely online depicted the tragic scene of the balloon engulfed in flames.
Emergency responders, including 27 firefighters and an aircraft, swiftly mobilized to the crash site to assist with recovery efforts and investigate the cause. Preliminary reports indicate that a reserve gas cylinder inside the gondola may have ignited, prompting the pilot to attempt an emergency descent and urge passengers to jump to safety. While the pilot survived, the scenario highlights the risks associated with such aerial excursions in popular tourist areas.
The state’s military fire brigade reported the crash occurred just after 8 a.m. local time when the balloon erupted into flames, quickly plummeting to the ground. Thirteen passengers managed to escape the burning balloon before it fell into a dense forest area. Images shared widely online depicted the tragic scene of the balloon engulfed in flames.
Emergency responders, including 27 firefighters and an aircraft, swiftly mobilized to the crash site to assist with recovery efforts and investigate the cause. Preliminary reports indicate that a reserve gas cylinder inside the gondola may have ignited, prompting the pilot to attempt an emergency descent and urge passengers to jump to safety. While the pilot survived, the scenario highlights the risks associated with such aerial excursions in popular tourist areas.
