At least eight people have died and 13 others were injured after a hot air balloon crashed in southern Brazil on Saturday. Shocking footage shows the balloon consumed by flames as it plummets from the sky — just as heartbreaking new details emerge about the final moments of several passengers onboard. A serene hot air balloon ride turned into a horrifying tragedy Saturday morning (June 21) over Praia Grande, a scenic ballooning hotspot in southern Brazil’s Santa Catarina state.

Pilot pleads for passengers to jump
What was meant to be a peaceful glide above the forests and fields ended in disaster when a fire broke out mid-flight, sending the balloon plummeting and leaving eight people dead. The balloon, operated by Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, was carrying 21 people when the disaster unfolded. According to survivors and law enforcement, a fire erupted inside the basket, forcing the pilot to descend quickly. Read below to uncover the horrifying details.