In Brazil, at least eight people died in a hot air balloon accident in Praia Grande, in the southern state of Santa Catarina, last night. Governor Jorginho Mello confirmed that 21 people were on board, with 13 survivors, including the pilot. The crash occurred near a health centre. According to the pilot, a fire started inside the basket, prompting him to lower the balloon. When it was close to the ground, he instructed passengers to jump.

All survivors were taken to nearby hospitals. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed condolences to the victims’ families.