Eight people were killed after a hot-air balloon caught fire and fell from the sky on Saturday morning in Praia Grande, located in Brazil’s southern state of Santa Catarina, officials confirmed.

The military fire brigade of Santa Catarina said the balloon was carrying 21 people, including the pilot, at the time of the accident. Thirteen passengers survived and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescue teams continued operations at the crash site to ensure no one was left unaccounted for.

Dramatic footage published by local outlets showed the balloon engulfed in fire, trailing smoke as it plunged toward the ground. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Praia Grande is a well-known destination for hot-air ballooning, especially during June festivities that honor Catholic saints like Saint John. Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy in a post on X. “We are all shocked by the accident,” he wrote.

(More details to follow)