Eight people have died and 13 others injured after a hot air balloon carrying 21 passengers caught fire and crashed in front of stunned onlookers.

The tragedy unfolded in the skies above the city of Praia Grande, in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, on Saturday morning (June 21).

Emergency services operate at the area where a hot air balloon crashed. Credit: CBMSC/ Brazil / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images

Fire Broke Out Mid-Flight, Pilot Ordered Emergency Jump

The balloon was operated by tour company Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, which had complied with all aviation regulations and had no history of accidents, according to the company.

The balloon took off as part of a tour over the popular ballooning destination. Continues…