At least eight people died in a hot air balloon accident in southern Brazil’s Santa Catarina state. 13 people survived and were taken to hospitals, Santa Catarina’s military fire brigade said. The incident occurred Saturday morning in the city of Praia Grande, according to state governor Jorginho Mello, who confirmed the casualties in a post on X. “We are all shocked by the accident involving a balloon in Praia Grande this Saturday morning. Our rescue team is already on site. So far, we have confirmed eight deaths and two survivors,” Mello wrote.Preliminary reports indicate that the balloon had 21 people on board at the time of the crash. Rescue workers are continuing search operations in the mountainous region where the crash occurred.Balloon caught fire mid-airDramatic footage shared on social media shows the hot air balloon engulfed in flames while still airborne, before crashing to the ground. The video, which has since gone viral, captures the horrifying moment the balloon collapses mid-flight, raising questions about flight safety and balloon capacity.Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, and an investigation has been launched.Rescue operations ongoingTwo survivors have been rescued alive and are receiving medical treatment, according to the governor. The identities of the victims and survivors have not yet been released.
