• Eight people killed and 13 others injured in a hot air balloon crash in Brazil.
• The balloon caught fire mid-air during a flight over Praia Grande.
• Investigations launched into the cause of the fire, reportedly linked to a blowtorch.

In a tragic incident on Saturday, at least eight people were killed when a hot air balloon caught fire and plummeted to the ground in Brazil's southern state of Santa Catarina, specifically in the municipality of Praia Grande. The balloon carried 21 people at the time, with state Governor Jorginho Mello confirming the casualties and stating, "Eight fatalities and 13 survivors," according to BBC and Channel News Asia.

Footage from local news outlets captured the horrifying moment as the balloon erupted in flames mid-flight, leading to its descent in the coastal town. According to eyewitness reports, some victims tragically fell from the balloon as the blaze intensified, with three being found embracing one another during the fall, as noted by local police chief Ulisses Gabriel, according to South China Morning Post and Los Angeles Times.

Thirteen survivors were quickly transported to hospitals for treatment, with authorities launching an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, which is reportedly linked to a blowtorch inside the balloon's basket. The pilot attempted to bring the balloon down swiftly and instructed passengers to jump when it neared the ground, but many could not escape in time, according to statements from the pilot and police officials, as covered by CBS News and India Times.