Chief of police of the Santa Catarina state, Ulisses Gabriel, revealed that the wind was 'quite strong' and that several people had to hold the balloon when it first took off.

At least eight people are dead following an accident involving a hot air balloon in Brazil’s southern region of Santa Catarina on Saturday, according to the local governor.

Rescue teams search for survivors from flight believed to have had 22 people onboard, state governor says

Estimated 22 people were on board, local official says