State officials in southern Brazil have reported that a hot air balloon carrying 21 passengers caught fire and crashed, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals.

This incident occurred just days after another fatal balloon accident in the country.

Firefighters in Santa Catarina confirmed that 13 people survived the crash and were transported to hospitals for treatment.

Witnesses captured videos of the balloon bursting into flames above a rural area near Praia Grande, a popular tourist spot for hot air ballooning.

The basket carrying the passengers plummeted to the ground in flames, with some passengers seen jumping out.

Of the survivors, three were in stable condition with minor injuries at Our Lady of Fatima hospital, while two had already been discharged. Details about the remaining survivors were not immediately available.

An investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the tragic accident, which occurred under clear weather conditions.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and offered federal support to the authorities.

The crash, which occurred at 8am local time, was reportedly caused by a blowtorch in the basket, according to the pilot. Despite efforts to bring the balloon down, the fire intensified, leading to fatalities and injuries.

This marks the second fatal hot air balloon incident in Brazil within a week.

Witnesses described a harrowing scene of people falling from the burning balloon, with some unable to escape the flames.

Praia Grande is a popular destination for hot air ballooning, known for its scenic canyon landscapes and often referred to as the 'Brazilian Cappadocia'.

Last week, another balloon crash in Sao Paulo state resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries.