Balloon Disaster in Southern Brazil Claims Eight Lives

Investigation Underway After Tragic Incident in Praia Grande

A hot air balloon caught fire and plummeted to the ground in Praia Grande, Brazil, leading to the deaths of eight individuals. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has sparked investigations into the cause of the accident and the safety measures in place. Authorities are currently piecing together the events that led to this devastating event.

The Fatal Flight

The balloon carried twenty-one people, including the pilot. Reports indicate that the flight was intended to start early to view the sunrise; however, it was delayed due to unfavorable wind conditions. The balloon finally took off around 7 a.m. After a brief period in the air, the aircraft caught fire, causing it to crash.

According to reports, the pilot told the Civil Police the torch used for the balloon’s heat was accidentally triggered. The fire then quickly spread. Attempts to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher were unsuccessful. The pilot attempted an emergency landing.

Witnesses described a scene of utter horror. When the pilot ordered people to jump, thirteen survived. This made the basket lighter and caused the balloon to ascend again. As it flew higher, the remaining eight people fell to their deaths.

The Victims

The victims included Leandro Luzzi, an art skater; Leane Elizabeth Herrmann, age 70, and her daughter Leise Herrmann Parizotto, a doctor; Fabio Luiz Izycki; Everaldo da Rocha and his wife, Janaina Moreira Soares da Rocha; Andrei Gabriel de Melo, a doctor; and Juliane Jacinta Sawicki. Their burials will begin this Sunday.

The balloon ride, which cost $550 and was slated for 45 minutes, took off four minutes before the fire started. The pilot reported to authorities that he had thrown the torch out of the balloon after the fire had begun.

The investigation seeks to clarify several key aspects of the tragedy. They aim to determine if the balloon was fit for use, if the weather was favorable, and whether negligence played a role. Officials will determine if there was recklessness or intent to cause the incident.

“It was a scene of horrors. The balloon was set on fire and plummeted with people inside,” reported a witness.

Aftermath and Investigation

The area where the balloon fell, about 10 kilometers from the center, was isolated. Civil Police have interviewed survivors. The investigation seeks to clarify whether the company operating the flight had the required permissions.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, hot air balloon accidents are rare, with only about 0.38 accidents per 100,000 flight hours (NTSB). The investigation aims to determine the cause.

Looking Ahead

The Civil Police are working to determine if any form of negligence occurred. Depending on the investigation’s results, the pilot and the company owner may face charges of voluntary or involuntary manslaughter.