Five Killed in Hot Air Balloon Crash in New Mexico (+Video)
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A shaking video shows the moment five people were killed when the basket of their hot air balloon plummeted to the ground in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The accident took place on Saturday morning. The Albuquerque Police Department said that the balloon appeared to hit a power line. Four people were killed when the basket hit the ground and a fifth was taken to hospital, where he later succumbed to his wounds.
Video footage shows the basket plunging to the ground, the crumpled remains of the balloon trailing behind it.
The city boasts a vibrant ballooning culture and hosts the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta each year.
Martin Martinez, 59, and Mary Martinez, 62, the parents of an Albuquerque Police Department prison transport officer, were among the victims, officials said. Martin Martinez also is a former APD officer.
The passenger basket detached from the balloon and plummeted to the ground, Albuquerque police said.
The incident cut off power locally. The cause of the accident is being investigated by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.
The deadliest hot air balloon accident in US history occurred in Texas in 2016. A balloon carrying 16 people caught fire and crashed into a field, killing all on board.