Hot air balloon accident kills pilot and injures six

A HOT air balloon pilot died and six people were injured in a horror accident at a festival near Barcelona. A spokesperson for the European Balloon Festival said that the 51-year-old pilot had died while protecting the passengers in the craft.

The mayor of Igualada, the town hosting the event, said the accident, caused when the balloon hit an embankment, had been caused by “random circumstances,” and that the balloon had been in good repair with conditions good for flying. It was added that all of the balloon pilots taking part in the event were experienced and well-prepared.

It’s reported that after the balloon hit the ridge, the pilot hung from a rope to try to stabilise it. The passengers were thrown from the basket, and with the sudden loss of weight, the craft shot up into the air, the pilot eventually falling from the rope from a very high altitude.

One of the passengers is believed to be in a serious condition in hospital, while the others had more minor injuries. The festival organisers expressed their condolences to the family of the pilot.