At least eight people die as hot-air balloon bursts into flames

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 two 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 social media platform X. 

Some 22 people were onboard – and rescue teams are still searching for the 12 individuals not accounted for at the crash site.

The cause of the accident is still being investigated. 

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

It quickly deflates, giving off a large cloud of black smoke – before the basket itself then catches light as the aircraft plunges to the ground at incredible speed.

It then actually detaches from the balloon, hurtling through the air even faster as flames and smoke streak up into the sky. 

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

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

Some 22 people were onboard – and rescue teams are still searching for the 12 individuals not accounted for at the crash site

An enormous crash and a terrified scream can soon be heard as it falls into a wooded area. 

The coastal Praia Grande area where the shocking accident happened is well-known as a hot air ballooning destination, Brazilian news website G1 reports.

The spot in the extreme south of the Santa Catarina state is often referred to Brazilian Cappadocia, for its similarities to the famous tourist ballooning region in Turkey. 

The state fire department said in its latest statement: ‘The Santa Catarina Military Fire Department (CBMSC) is currently responding to a balloon crash in the municipality of Praia Grande, in the south of the state, which occurred on the morning of Saturday, June 21. 

‘The corporation confirms four deaths at the scene and the other victims are being treated, searched for and evaluated by our teams.’ 

It comes less than a week after a woman died during a hot air balloon ride in the Brazilian city of São Paulo.  

This is a breaking news story and is being updated.