Wall of rock waterfall on waterfall on lake Brazil

Pleasure and joy turned into disaster for tourists while sailing on Lake Furnas in Capitolio, Minas Gerais state.

Source: Christyam de Lima / Getty

At least 7 people have died and 3 others are missing after a giant rock fell from a cliff onto a tourist boat on a lake in… Brazil.

Edgard Estevo, commander of the Minas Gerais State Fire Department, said at a news conference that in addition to those killed, there could be as many as 20 people missing and officials were trying to identify them. NBC News.

An additional 32 people were injured, 9 of them seriously. Video posted on social media shows a cluster of small boats near the cliff face when the rocks suddenly hit the water, crushing two ships. Onlookers could hear screams as other boats near the scene sped to escape. Unfortunately, the two boats were hit directly by the rocks, but 24 people were rescued alive with head and face injuries and broken bones.

Lake Furnas, known as the “Sea of ​​Minas,” is a popular tourist attraction in an area about 418 kilometers (260 mi) north of Sao Paulo. The town can receive around 5,000 visitors on weekends and up to 30,000 on holidays.

Minas Gerais has experienced heavy rain over the past two weeks, which state officials believe may have loosened, according to NBC News.

The Brazilian Navy confirmed it will investigate the cause of the accident. Best wishes and a speedy recovery to all those affected by this tragedy.