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.

Pilot pleads for passengers to jump

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.

“According to the pilot, who is one of the survivors, a fire started inside the basket, so he started to lower the balloon,” Officer Tiago Luiz Lemos told reporters, according to BBC. “When it was very close to the ground, he told people to jump.”

Thirteen people, including the pilot, managed to leap to safety before the balloon —lightened by