𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

At least eight people have died after firefighters said a hot-air balloon caught fire and tumbled from the sky in Brazil.

A further 13 people were injured in the incident in the southern state of Santa Catarina on Saturday morning, according to local officials.

Footage shared by local news outlet G1 showed billows of smoke coming from the balloon in flames as it hurtled towards the ground.

The survivors were taken to hospitals, Santa Catarina’s military fire brigade said, adding that 21 people were on board in total, including the pilot.

State governor Jorginho Mello said in a post on X on Saturday: “Our teams continue to provide all necessary support to families and victims.

“We continue to monitor the situation.”

Last Sunday, a balloon fell in Sao Paulo state, killing a 27-year-old woman and injuring 11 others, G1 reported.

Praia Grande is a common destination for hot-air ballooning, a popular activity in some parts of Brazil’s south during June festivities that celebrate Catholic saints such as Saint John.

More follows on this breaking news story…