Kathmandu – At least eight people have died and 13 others were injured when a hot air balloon carrying 21 passengers caught fire and crashed in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina on Saturday, officials said.
Governor Jorginho Mello confirmed the casualties, stating, “Eight people died in the balloon accident, while 13 others were rescued with injuries.”
Dramatic footage broadcast on Brazilian television showed the moment the balloon, engulfed in flames, plummeted from the sky over the coastal city of Praia Grande. Reports indicate the weather was calm at the time of the incident.
The balloon, which had been flying dozens of meters above the ground, suddenly lost control and fell, resulting in the tragic accident.
Praia Grande, located along Brazil’s Atlantic coast, is a popular destination for hot air balloon adventures and aerial tourism.
This is the second fatal hot air balloon accident in Brazil in less than a week. Just days earlier, a woman was killed during a balloon ride in the southeastern state of São Paulo.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.
