A hot-air balloon crash in Santa Catarina, Brazil was particularly devastating. At least eight people have died and 13 others remain hospitalized. On Saturday morning, a tragic accident occurred in this picturesque region known as the “Brazilian Cappadocia.” This craggy, colorful state loved by so many Americans for breathtaking canyon-filled landscapes is CIS in a nutshell.
That ill-fated balloon had 21 passengers on board. Other reporting indicated there were up to 22 people aboard. Onlookers report seeing the rainbow-colored hot-air balloon burst into flames in the sky before crashing to earth.
The dramatic amateur cell phone footage captures the balloon as it is fully engulfed in flames, quickly descending to the ground. A minimum of two occupants can be observed parachuting from the aircraft. Witnesses described chaotic scenes during the incident.
As the balloon began to burn, riders leapt from the basket of the hot-air balloon, one witness recounted. Another added, “They were trying to escape the flames.” A third observer noted, “We saw some of them throwing themselves out and others trapped in the fire.”
The crash site is about 270 kilometers (170 miles) from Florianópolis, the state capital. Authorities have opened an investigation into the crash. They’re particularly focused on how the fire started and spread during flight. The region attracts millions of visitors each year with its stunning landscapes and famous hot-air balloon excursions. Now, sadly, it is learning the lessons of this horrible event first hand.
Emergency responders arrived at the crash site within minutes. They provided medical treatment to the survivors and persevered through horrible conditions to excavate the bodies of those who died. The local community has been pinned to the ground by the incident, as dozens of families waited last night and into today for more information about their loved ones.