Fact Check: 21 people were on board the ill-fated hot air balloon.

Fact Check: "21 people were on board the ill-fated hot air balloon."

What We Know

On June 21, 2025, a tragic accident involving a hot air balloon occurred in Praia Grande, a popular tourist destination in southern Brazil. Reports indicate that the balloon was carrying 21 people at the time of the crash. According to the Governor of Santa Catarina, Jorginho Mello, eight individuals lost their lives, while 13 others, including the pilot, survived the incident (source-1, source-2, source-3). The balloon reportedly caught fire, leading to the emergency situation that prompted the pilot to instruct passengers to jump as the balloon descended (source-2, source-4).

Analysis

The claim that "21 people were on board the ill-fated hot air balloon" is corroborated by multiple credible sources. The New York Times, Reuters, and BBC all confirm that the balloon was indeed carrying 21 passengers (source-1, source-2, source-3). Furthermore, the details surrounding the incident, including the number of fatalities and survivors, are consistently reported across these outlets, enhancing the reliability of the information.

The sources used are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The New York Times and BBC have established credibility in reporting on international events, while Reuters is recognized for its factual reporting in the news industry. The consistency across these sources lends further credence to the claim in question.

However, it is important to note that while the primary details are consistent, the circumstances surrounding the crash, such as the cause and the exact sequence of events, are still under investigation. This uncertainty does not impact the veracity of the claim regarding the number of individuals on board.

Conclusion

The claim that "21 people were on board the ill-fated hot air balloon" is True. This is supported by multiple reliable news sources that confirm the number of passengers involved in the tragic incident.