Fact Check: 21 people were on board the doomed hot air balloon.

Fact Check: "21 people were on board the doomed hot air balloon."

What We Know

On June 21, 2025, a tragic hot air balloon accident occurred in Praia Grande, Brazil, resulting in the deaths of at least eight individuals. According to the Governor of Santa Catarina, Jorginho Mello, there were 21 people on board the balloon at the time of the incident (BBC). The balloon reportedly caught fire while in the air, leading to a rapid descent and crash near a health center (New York Times). Thirteen people, including the pilot, survived the crash and were taken to local hospitals (Reuters).

Analysis

The claim that "21 people were on board the doomed hot air balloon" is supported by multiple credible sources. The Governor's statement is corroborated by reports from major news outlets such as the BBC and CBS News, both of which confirm the number of passengers as 21. The consistency across these reports enhances their reliability.

Moreover, the details surrounding the incident, including the cause of the fire and the subsequent actions taken by the pilot and passengers, have been reported by various outlets, including People and CBS News. These reports provide additional context and confirm the circumstances of the tragedy, further validating the claim.

The sources used are reputable news organizations, which typically adhere to journalistic standards of accuracy and verification. Therefore, the information presented regarding the number of people on board is credible.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "21 people were on board the doomed hot air balloon" is accurate, as confirmed by multiple reliable sources. The consistency of reports from various news outlets and the official statements from local authorities substantiate this information.

Sources

1. Hot-Air Balloon Crashes in Brazil, Killing at Least 8 People
2. At least eight dead in hot air balloon accident in Brazil
3. Hot-air balloon crash in Brazil kills at least eight people
4. At least eight dead in hot air balloon accident in Brazil
5. Hot air balloon catches fire and falls in Brazil, killing at least 8 ...
6. At Least 8 Dead After Hot Air Balloon Catches Fire Mid- ...