In a tragic incident in Praia Grande, Brazil, eight individuals lost their lives in a hot air balloon accident involving 21 passengers. According to officials, 13 people, including the pilot, survived the harrowing event. The National Civil Aviation Agency is currently investigating the crash while the operator company has suspended activities indefinitely.
Tragic Hot Air Balloon Accident Claims Eight Lives in Southern Brazil
Tragic Hot Air Balloon Accident Claims Eight Lives in Southern Brazil
A devastating hot air balloon crash in Praia Grande leaves multiple fatalities; survivors are receiving medical care.
At least eight people tragically died during a hot air balloon accident that occurred in the picturesque city of Praia Grande, located in southern Brazil. Governor Jorginho Mello confirmed the incident via a post on social media platform X, stating that while there were 21 individuals aboard the balloon, thirteen, including the pilot, managed to survive the crash. The state government has reported no missing persons in connection with this event.
The timeline of the accident reveals that a fire ignited inside the basket of the hot air balloon as it was airborne. Officer Tiago Luiz Lemos from Praia Grande's police station recounted that the pilot took immediate action to lower the balloon and instructed passengers to jump when they were close to the ground. Unfortunately, some individuals were unable to escape in time; the balloon subsequently ascended again due to the added weight, which played a role in its eventual fall.
Among the deceased were two couples, a mother and daughter, a well-known ophthalmologist, and a figure skating athlete. The surviving passengers were swiftly taken to local hospitals for treatment. The tour company responsible for the flight, Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, stated they adhered to all regulations set by the National Civil Aviation Agency and had no previous incidents on record. They expressed deep sorrow over the loss and emphasized that their experienced pilot executed all recommended safety procedures.
In response to the tragedy, Governor Mello, who is reportedly in China on an official matter, has coordinated "the entire state structure" to provide support to the families affected and to assist rescue efforts. "We are in mourning; what happened is a tragedy," he stated, committing to a thorough investigation into the accident.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences through a post on X, extending solidarity to the victims' families and promising assistance from the federal government while noting that state and municipal services are fully engaged in recovery operations. Praised as a favored location for tourism, the locale is known particularly for its hot air balloon experiences.
This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with recreational aviation activities. As the investigation unfolds, the focus will be on ensuring the safety of such endeavors in the future.
The timeline of the accident reveals that a fire ignited inside the basket of the hot air balloon as it was airborne. Officer Tiago Luiz Lemos from Praia Grande's police station recounted that the pilot took immediate action to lower the balloon and instructed passengers to jump when they were close to the ground. Unfortunately, some individuals were unable to escape in time; the balloon subsequently ascended again due to the added weight, which played a role in its eventual fall.
Among the deceased were two couples, a mother and daughter, a well-known ophthalmologist, and a figure skating athlete. The surviving passengers were swiftly taken to local hospitals for treatment. The tour company responsible for the flight, Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, stated they adhered to all regulations set by the National Civil Aviation Agency and had no previous incidents on record. They expressed deep sorrow over the loss and emphasized that their experienced pilot executed all recommended safety procedures.
In response to the tragedy, Governor Mello, who is reportedly in China on an official matter, has coordinated "the entire state structure" to provide support to the families affected and to assist rescue efforts. "We are in mourning; what happened is a tragedy," he stated, committing to a thorough investigation into the accident.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences through a post on X, extending solidarity to the victims' families and promising assistance from the federal government while noting that state and municipal services are fully engaged in recovery operations. Praised as a favored location for tourism, the locale is known particularly for its hot air balloon experiences.
This unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with recreational aviation activities. As the investigation unfolds, the focus will be on ensuring the safety of such endeavors in the future.
