Brazil Hot Air Balloon Tragedy: 8 Dead in Praia Grande
A devastating hot air balloon accident in Praia Grande, Santa Catarina, Brazil, has claimed the lives of eight people.
According to the Santa Catarina fire brigade, 13 individuals survived and are currently receiving hospital treatment. The incident occurred on Saturday morning.
Governor Jorginho Mello confirmed the fatalities via social media.
Initial reports suggest that 21 people were on board the balloon when the tragic event unfolded.
Shocking video footage circulating online depicts the balloon ablaze mid-air before it plummeted to the ground. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing in the mountainous terrain where the crash occurred.