Eight people are reported to have been killed in a horrific hot air balloon accident in Brazil this weekend.
According to CNN, the balloon caught fire above Santa Catarina in the country’s southern region on Saturday before plummeting. The craft was carrying 21 people, eight of whom have been confirmed dead.
“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,” Governor Jorginho Mello said on X.
A video of the hot air balloon bursting into flames in the air has made it to social media and can be seen right below, but we warn that it is distressing.
“We saw two people fall from above, and soon after the basket broke, and the balloon fell,” an onlooker told local outlet Jornal Razão.
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The eyewitness revealed having run to the site of the crash and seeing two survivors and other bodies.
Brazilian President Offers Support To Victims Of Hot Air Balloon Crash
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva offered support to the victims and their families.
“I would like to place the Federal Government at the disposal of the victims and the state and municipal forces that are working on the rescue and care for the survivors,” he said in a statement.
Hot air ballooning is common in some parts of Brazil during June festivals commemorating Catholic saints.
It’s unfortunate that this particular one was hit by such tragic circumstances.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this accident.