At least eight people have died after a hot air balloon carrying 21 passengers crashed on Saturday in the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil, announced the governor of Santa Catarina state, Jorginho Mello.
The balloon caught fire during the flight in the early hours of the morning and crashed in the city of Praia Grande, detailed Mello on X, according to BBC.
Two of the balloon occupants fell from a great height to the ground as the flames spread rapidly:
At least eight people have died, and 13 survivors have been transported to nearby hospitals, firefighters announced.
The city of Praia Grande is located in the south of Santa Catarina Island and is a popular tourist destination. It is known as the "Capital of Canyons" because it has 11 canyons within its territory, including some from the Aparados da Serra and Serra Geral national parks, as noted by the British television station.
T.D.