A hot-air balloon carrying 21 individuals ignited and subsequently crashed on Saturday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least eight people, according to Santa Catarina’s military fire brigade.

Officials reported that the incident occurred in Santa Catarina, a southern Brazilian state, after a fire erupted in the balloon’s basket, prompting the pilot to try an emergency landing.

Social media footage depicted thick black smoke rising above the deflated balloon as it plummeted into a wooded area near Praia Grande, a town known for hot-air ballooning.

The thirteen individuals who survived, including the pilot, were transported to hospitals with injuries yet to be specified.

Officials stated that survivors were able to save themselves by leaping from the balloon when the blaze initially started.

Initially, the balloon reportedly gained altitude again after some passengers had exited.

Lt. Col. Zevir Cipriano Jr. commented, “These individuals ultimately perished — four were found charred, and another four exited the balloon as it was descending.”

Santa Catarina Governor Jorginho Mello stated in an X video, “We are experiencing a period of mourning. A tragedy has occurred. We will investigate its progression, what transpired, and its causes. However, the immediate priority is for the state’s resources to be fully utilized.”

He further mentioned instructing authorities “to exert maximum effort” in assisting the victims and their relatives.

Santa Catarina’s civil police force Chief Ulisses Gabriel conveyed via social media that three of the deceased were found embracing each other.

He remarked, “It is soul-wrenching.”

The ride, priced at $100 per participant, was scheduled for a 45-minute duration and an altitude of 3,280 feet. The balloon’s height at the onset of its descent remains unconfirmed.

In a statement, the hot-air balloon operator Sobrevoar expressed, “Despite taking all requisite precautions and our pilot’s diligent efforts — a highly experienced individual who adhered to all prescribed procedures in an attempt to rescue everyone aboard — we are deeply pained by this catastrophe.”

Sobrevoar further indicated that it had complied with all regulations for the flight and maintained an unblemished record prior to the incident. The company has now indefinitely suspended its operations.

The government noted that approximately 25 to 30 hot-air balloon excursions depart from the region daily.

The Brazilian President conveyed his sympathy to the families of those affected and offered the federal government’s assistance with the inquiry.

The previous Sunday, a separate hot-air balloon accident in Brazil’s São Paulo state resulted in one fatality and injuries to eleven others.

This report includes contributions from The Associated Press and Reuters.