At least eight people have died after a hot-air balloon carrying more than 20 people caught fire and plunged through the sky in Brazil’s deep south. Witnesses say some of those onboard hurled themselves out to escape flames as reports say fire started from torch in balloon’s basket. Footage posted on social media showed the moment the multi-coloured aircraft fell to earth, engulfed in flames, in the state of Santa Catarina on Saturday morning. At least two of the balloon’s occupants can be seen plummeting to the ground as the fire spreads. “My God!” one witness can be heard gasping as the basket hurtles towards the ground. The picturesque, canyon-filled region where the crash took place – 170 miles from the state capital, Florianópolis – is a major tourist destination known as the “Brazilian Cappadocia” after the region of Turkey where spectacular hot-air balloon trips are also popular.