Hot air balloon crash in New Mexico

Sunday, 27 June 2021 07:27

By Reuters

MADDIE MEYER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

At least five people have died after a hot air balloon crashed in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

According to local police, Saturday's incident happened after it was apparently blown into power lines by the wind, catching fire.

The pilot and three passengers were pronounced dead at the scene.

The fourth passenger was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The basket crashed on a street corner in the city's West Side neighborhood near a pharmacy, about 10 km west of the Albuquerque International Sunport Airport.

The balloon separated from the basket after it crashed and landed elsewhere, police said.

No injuries were reported on the ground.

An investigation has been launched as its still unclear what happened.

The Albuquerque Journal reported a power outage in the area affecting 13,000 homes and businesses.

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