A tragic hot air balloon accident claimed the lives of eight people on Saturday in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. The incident occurred in the municipality of Praia Grande, a popular destination for ballooning due to its dramatic canyon landscapes.

According to officials, the fire began in the balloon’s basket around 8 a.m. local time, prompting the pilot to attempt an emergency landing. Of the 21 individuals on board, including the pilot, 13 managed to jump to safety before the balloon began ascending again, lighter due to the reduced weight. The remaining eight were unable to escape.

Four of the victims died from the fire, while the others were killed after falling from the balloon. Authorities reported that three of the deceased were found embracing one another.

Thirteen survivors were transported to local hospitals. Five were treated at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital; three were in stable condition with minor injuries and two were discharged. Information on the remaining survivors has not yet been disclosed.

The balloon was operated by Sobrevoar, a company that stated it had fully complied with aviation regulations and had no prior accident history. The company announced it would suspend operations indefinitely in light of the tragedy.

The expected flight duration was approximately 45 minutes, reaching an altitude of about 3,280 feet. Each passenger reportedly paid the equivalent of \$100 for the experience.

Authorities at the state and federal levels have pledged support for the victims and their families. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether any failures occurred before or during the flight.