A hot-air balloon with 21 individuals on board in Brazil burst into flames on Saturday morning and crashed, resulting in the deaths of at least eight people, according to Santa Catarina’s military fire brigade.
The incident took place in Santa Catarina, a state located in Brazil’s southern region, after the fire ignited in the basket, compelling the pilot to attempt an emergency landing, authorities reported.
Footage circulated on social media depicts black smoke rising from the deflated balloon as it plummets towards a forested area near Praia Grande, a town known for its popularity with hot-air balloon enthusiasts.
The 13 survivors, including the pilot, were taken to hospitals with unknown injuries.
Sobrevoar added that it had followed all regulations for the ride and had a clear record previously. It is now suspending its operations indefinitely.
Around 25 to 30 hot-air balloon trips leave daily from the area, the government said.
A member of Brazil’s Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (CENIPA) walks next to the wreckage of a hot-air balloon that caught fire and crashed with 21 people on board in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil, Saturday. (Silvio Avila/AFP via Getty Images)
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his solidarity with the victims’ families and said the federal government was available to help with the investigation.
Last Sunday, another hot-air balloon crashed in Brazil’s state of São Paulo, killing one woman and injuring 11 others.
