Pakistan, June 22 -- SAO PAULO - A hot-air balloon carrying 21 people caught fire and crashed on Saturday near the tourist town of Praia Grande in southern Brazil, killing eight and injuring several others.

According to Santa Catarina state governor Jorginho Mello, thirteen people survived the crash, with some sustaining minor injuries. The fiery accident is the second deadly balloon incident in Brazil within a week.

Video footage aired by local media showed the terrifying moment the balloon burst into flames mid-air. The burning basket fell dozens of metres to the ground, while some passengers were seen leaping in desperation.

Authorities say the fire started from a blowtorch inside the basket used to ignite the balloon's flame. The p...