At least eight people have died after a hot air balloon crashed in south Brazil.
The Santa Catarina governor Jorginho Mello said 22 people were on board the balloon when the incident took place.
Emergency services remain at the scene of the incident in Praia Grande, the southernmost municipality of the state.
Footage was posted on social media showing the basket underneath the balloon falling to the ground.
Footage on social media captured the incident
X
Governor Mello said on social media: “Preliminary information indicates that there were 22 people on board. So far, we have confirmed eight deaths and two survivors were rescued alive.”
He said rescue workers were at the scene in Praia Grande and they were searching for the other people.
According to the local Fire Department, eight people died at the scene and 13 were rescued alive and taken to a nearby medical facility.
There have been unconfirmed reports the balloon had crashed in a health centre.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Footage posted on social media showed the balloon catch fire
X
Local media reports the city of Praia Grande is known for its hot air balloon flights, which attract tourists from all over the country to enjoy the view of the region’s canyon.
However, this is the second serious accident involving balloons in less than a week in Brazil.
A woman died and 11 other people were injured after a balloon crashed in Boituva, in the interior of São Paulo last Tuesday.
