A tragic incident unfolded in Brazil's southern state of Santa Catarina as a hot-air balloon caught fire and plummeted from the sky, claiming the lives of eight individuals. The horrifying event was captured on video by local news outlet G1, showing billows of smoke emanating from the burning balloon as it descended in the municipality of Praia Grande.

Among the 21 individuals on board, including the pilot, 13 managed to survive and were rushed to hospitals for treatment. The crash occurred at approximately 8 a.m. local time, with a fire igniting in the basket of the balloon, prompting the pilot's attempts to land the aircraft.

Lt. Col. Zevir Cipriano Jr., a military firefighter, revealed that while some managed to jump out of the balloon, eight individuals were unable to escape. Tragically, the balloon began to rise again after the weight of the passengers was reduced.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with results expected to be disclosed within 30 days. The pilot has already provided testimony, and statements from survivors will also be collected, according to Santa Catarina's public safety secretary Col. Flávio Graff.

The company responsible for the ill-fated balloon, Sobrevoar, stated that it had followed all regulations and had a clean safety record prior to the accident. Despite the pilot's efforts to save everyone on board, the company expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and announced the suspension of all operations indefinitely.

Praia Grande, a popular destination for hot-air ballooning, is renowned for its stunning canyon landscapes and is often referred to as the 'Brazilian Cappadocia.' This unfortunate incident follows another balloon crash in Sao Paulo state just a week prior, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries.