EIGHT people have been killed after a hot air balloon carrying 21 passengers erupted in flames before crashing on the ground in Brazil.
Shocking footage shows the balloon engulfed in fire swinging mid-air before the passenger basket broke off and plummeted to the ground.
At least eight people died after a hot-air balloon crashed
The balloon had 21 people onboard
GettyEmergency services operate in the area where a hot air balloon crashed[/caption]
Thirteen people, including the pilot, miraculously survived and were rushed to the hospitals, the local fire brigade said.
The pilot explained that a fire broke out, possibly caused by a blowtorch in the basket.
He told Brazilian outlet Jornal Razao: “I don’t know if it stayed lit or if it reignited on its own, but it was the torch that started it all.”
After noticing the flames, the pilot said he immediately tried to land the balloon and ordered passengers to jump when they got close to the ground.
Some managed to leap out in time and survive. Others were not so lucky.
As the passengers began jumping out, the balloon became lighter and began to rise again – with some passengers still inside- before being completely engulfed in flames.
All of those who stayed behind in the basket lost their lives.
Footage uploaded to social media shows the smouldering hot air balloon swaying in the sky after those lucky passengers managed to escape.
Ash and debris were seen raining down from the side as the fire spread.
Suddenly, the balloon disintegrated, and the basket came crashing to the ground.
Of the victims, four are understood to have died inside the burning basket, and another four died in the fall when it finally crashed.
A company called Sobrevoar operated the hot air balloon, which had all the necessary licenses to fly, G1 news reports.
Local governor Jorginho Mello said on X: “We are all shocked by the accident involving a balloon in Praia Grande, this Saturday morning.
“Our rescue team is already on site.”
A later update from the governor said: “21 people on board – 8 fatalities, 13 survivors.
“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.
GettyEmergency services operate in the area where a hot air balloon crashed[/caption]
Thirteen people survived and were taken to hospitals
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.
A few days ago, one person died and 19 others were injured after two hot air balloons crashed in Turkey.
The horrific accident happened near the Ihlara Valley in Aksaray province, a holiday hotspot for tourists looking to ride hot air balloons.
Worst Hot air ballon diasters
2013 Luxor Hot Air Balloon Crash: On February 26, 2013, a hot air balloon flying over Luxor, Egypt, caught fire and plunged 1,000 feet, killing 19 people.
2016 Lockhart Hot Air Balloon Crash : On July 30, 2016, a hot air balloon struck power lines and crashe,d killing all 16 people on board.
1989 Alice Springs Hot Air Balloon Crash: On August 13, 1989, two hot air balloons collided over the Australian outback near Alice Springs, killing all 13 people on board.
2012 Carterton Hot Air Balloon Crash: On January 7, 2012, a hot air balloon struck power lines near Carterton, New Zealand, and explode,d killing all 11 people on board.
2012 Ljubljana Marshes Hot Air Balloon Crash: On August 23, 2012, a hot air balloon carrying 32 people caught fire and crashed near Ljubljana, Slovenia. Six people were killed.