A hot-air balloon fire led to a fatal crash, raising serious safety concerns.
Deadly Hot-Air Balloon Accident in Brazil Claims Eight Lives
Deadly Hot-Air Balloon Accident in Brazil Claims Eight Lives
Tragic incident unfolds during popular tourist excursion in Santa Catarina.
On Saturday morning, a hot-air balloon carrying 21 individuals tragically caught fire and crashed in Praia Grande, Brazil, resulting in the death of at least eight people. The balloon was navigating over the renowned scenic canyons in Santa Catarina when the disaster struck around 8 a.m. local time. Reports indicate that the remaining 13 passengers managed to survive the accident.
Eyewitnesses documented the horrifying moments as the balloon erupted into flames before losing altitude and crashing into a wooded area. A swift response from 27 firefighters, supported by aerial resources and multiple ground vehicles, was initiated to carry out search and rescue operations, while local police launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze.
In statements made during a news conference, state officials revealed critical details from the balloon's pilot, who survived the incident. According to the pilot, a reserve gas cylinder situated inside the gondola ignited, leading to the fire. Efforts to minimize casualties were made as the pilot instructed passengers to jump to safety amidst the chaos, with some successfully escaping before the balloon rose again, buoyed by its lighter cargo. The investigation continues as authorities sift through the evidence surrounding this tragedy, calling into question the safety protocols involved in tourist excursions of this nature.
Eyewitnesses documented the horrifying moments as the balloon erupted into flames before losing altitude and crashing into a wooded area. A swift response from 27 firefighters, supported by aerial resources and multiple ground vehicles, was initiated to carry out search and rescue operations, while local police launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze.
In statements made during a news conference, state officials revealed critical details from the balloon's pilot, who survived the incident. According to the pilot, a reserve gas cylinder situated inside the gondola ignited, leading to the fire. Efforts to minimize casualties were made as the pilot instructed passengers to jump to safety amidst the chaos, with some successfully escaping before the balloon rose again, buoyed by its lighter cargo. The investigation continues as authorities sift through the evidence surrounding this tragedy, calling into question the safety protocols involved in tourist excursions of this nature.
