At least eight people have died after a hot-air balloon burst into flames and plunged to the ground in Brazil – as it is claimed several miraculously survived.

The horrifying crash happened today in the country’s southern state of Santa Catarina, in its Praia Grande region – a well-known hot air ballooning location.

The state governor Jorginho Mello announced the deaths this morning in a post on X, which has now been deleted as the situation continues to develop.

His latest update on the social media platform states there were 21 people onboard, with eight fatalities and an incredible 13 survivors.

But reports differ, with the state fire department having said in its most recent update: ‘The corporation confirms four deaths at the scene and the other victims are being treated, searched for and evaluated by our teams.’

The cause of the accident is still being investigated and rescue teams are on the ground searching for those not accounted for.

One astonishing video posted to X, recorded from the ground, shows flames from the burner shooting up towards the balloon.

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Tagged: Disasters BACK TO HOMEPAGE