A hot air balloon accident in Brazil has claimed the lives of at least eight people.

Twenty-one people boarded the balloon on Saturday morning in the city of Praia Grande, according to the governor of Santa Catarina, Jorginho Mello.

“21 people on board – 8 fatalities, 13 survivors,” Mello posted to X on Saturday. “Our teams continue to provide all necessary support to families and victims.”

“We are all shocked by the accident,” the governor said. “We continue to monitor the situation.”

Praia Grande is in southern Santa Catarina, which is a popular tourist destination, the BBC noted.

Video of the tragic accident was posted by an aviation news account, showing a fiery crash to the ground.

It’s unclear what caused the accident.

WATCH:

At least eight people have died in a hot air balloon accident in Brazil, a state governor has said.

There were 21 people on board the balloon in the city of Praia Grande on Saturday morning, Governor of Santa Catarina Jorginho Mello said in a post on X.

Mello said 13 people… pic.twitter.com/NwHWQImBvI

— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) June 21, 2025