8 dead after hot air balloon carrying 21 passengers catches fire in Brazil

At least eight people were killed after a hot-air balloon carrying 21 passengers crashed on Saturday in Brazil’s southern state of Santa Catarina, local and state officials said.

The tourism balloon caught fire during the flight in the early morning hours, crashing in the city of Praia Grande, according to the state fire department.

13 people survived and eight died. Rescue teams are at the site of the incident searching for others, local governor Jorginho Mello said.

“We are all shocked by the accident,” he added.

Thirteen survivors were transported to nearby hospitals, according to the fire department.