Fact Check: Brazil's Governor Declares Mourning After Tragic Balloon Crash
What We Know
On June 21, 2025, a hot-air balloon accident in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil, resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, with thirteen others injured. The balloon, which was carrying 21 individuals, caught fire and fell from the sky, leading to a tragic scene as reported by multiple news outlets including AP News and BBC. Governor Jorginho Mello confirmed the fatalities and expressed his condolences, stating, "We are in mourning. A tragedy has happened" (BBC). The governor also mentioned that he had dispatched state resources to assist in rescue efforts and to support the families affected by this incident (New York Times).
The balloon was reportedly involved in a popular tourist activity in the region, which is known for its scenic hot-air balloon rides. Eyewitness accounts and reports indicate that the pilot attempted to manage the situation by instructing passengers to jump as the fire spread, but not all were able to escape (AP News, BBC).
Analysis
The claim that Brazil's governor declared mourning following the balloon crash is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Governor Mello's statements were captured in videos shared on social media, where he expressed his sorrow and commitment to investigating the cause of the accident (BBC, Sky News). The consistency across various reports from reputable outlets such as Reuters and DW reinforces the reliability of the information regarding the incident and the governor's response.
The sources used in this fact-check are credible and well-established news organizations, which typically adhere to journalistic standards of accuracy. The information about the crash and the governor's reaction has been corroborated by eyewitness accounts and official statements from local authorities, further enhancing the credibility of the claims made.
Conclusion
The claim that Brazil's governor declared mourning after the tragic balloon crash is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that Governor Jorginho Mello publicly expressed his condolences and initiated state support for the victims' families following the tragic event.
Sources
- 8 killed, 13 injured after hot-air balloon catches fire and falls in Brazil - AP News
- Hot-air balloon crash in Brazil kills at least eight people - Reuters
- At least eight dead in hot air balloon accident in Brazil - BBC
- Hot-Air Balloon Crashes in Brazil, Killing at Least 8 People - New York Times
- Brazil: Eight dead in hot air balloon crash, says state governor - Sky News
- Brazil: Eight killed, 13 injured in hot air balloon crash - DW
