EIGHT DEAD IN HOT AIR BALLOON ACCIDENT

Eight people have died after a hot air balloon accident took place in Brazil.

A total of 21 people took off on board the balloon in the city of Praia Grande in the southern part of the country.

Thirteen people survived, including the pilot.

A police officer told a local news agency that the fire started inside the basket. The pilot lowered the balloon so that it could be as close to the ground as possible. Once near the ground, he shouted for the people on board to jump.

Unfortunately, not everyone managed to jump in time. The flames started to grow bigger, which made the balloon rise again. The flames engulfed those still inside the basket.

Eventually, the entire balloon and basket fell because of a loss of suspension.

The balloon tour company, Sobrevoar Servicos Turisticos, released a statement after the accident took place.

"Unfortunately, even with all necessary precautions and the efforts of our experienced pilot, who followed all recommended procedures and tried to save everyone on board, we are now faced with the pain caused by this tragedy.”

Brazil’s President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva shared his "solidarity with the families of the victims" on X.

Image credit: Sky News