Fact Check: Thirteen survivors hospitalized after the balloon fire disaster
What We Know
On June 21, 2025, a tragic incident involving a hot-air balloon occurred in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The balloon caught fire mid-air and subsequently crashed, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals. According to reports from the Santa Catarina military fire brigade, thirteen survivors were hospitalized after the incident, which involved a total of 21 people on board, including the pilot (NPR, New York Times). Eyewitness accounts and footage shared on social media depicted the balloon engulfed in flames as it descended, with some passengers attempting to escape by jumping out (CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that thirteen survivors were hospitalized is corroborated by multiple reliable sources. The Santa Catarina military fire brigade confirmed that thirteen individuals were taken to hospitals following the crash, while the total number of passengers was reported to be 21 (NPR, New York Times). The credibility of these sources is strong; both NPR and The New York Times are established news organizations known for their rigorous journalistic standards.
Additionally, the pilot, who survived the crash, indicated that a fire started inside the basket of the balloon, prompting him to instruct passengers to jump out as the situation worsened (NPR). This aligns with the reports of the incident, providing context to the survivors' hospitalization. The fact that four of the survivors were still receiving treatment for burns and injuries, although none were in life-threatening condition, further supports the claim (CBS News).
While the incident has been described as a tragedy by local officials, including Governor Jorginho Mello, the focus remains on the survivors and the investigation into the cause of the fire (New York Times). The investigation will determine if there was any negligence or technical failure involved in the incident.
Conclusion
The claim that thirteen survivors were hospitalized after the balloon fire disaster is True. The evidence provided by multiple credible news sources confirms that thirteen individuals survived the crash and received medical attention, while eight tragically lost their lives. The consistency of the reports from reputable outlets reinforces the accuracy of this claim.
