At least eight people lost their lives in a tragic hot air balloon crash in Brazil. The accident occurred in Praia Grande, a city located in the southern state of Santa Catarina. The balloon, which was part of a tourism flight, caught fire and plummeted to the ground early Saturday morning.
Local news footage showed the balloon engulfed in smoke as it descended. Authorities reported that there were 21 people on board, including the pilot. Thirteen individuals survived the crash and were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
State Governor Jorginho Mello expressed his sorrow in a video message, stating, "We are in mourning. A tragedy has happened." He emphasized the need for state resources to assist in rescue efforts and support the affected families.
Hot air ballooning is a popular activity in this region, especially during June festivities that honor Catholic saints. This incident comes shortly after another balloon accident in São Paulo state, where a 27-year-old woman died and 11 others were injured.
The state governor has called for an investigation to understand the cause of this disaster. As the community grapples with this loss, officials are focused on providing aid and comfort to those impacted by the tragedy.