2 people seriously burned as hot air balloon approaches Indiana power lines

By Mike Stunson
The Charlotte Observer

LOWELL, Ind. — Three people were injured following a “flight emergency” involving a hot air balloon that crashed to the ground, Indiana officials said.

The hot air balloon was discovered crashed into a bean field around 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 2, near Lowell, about 65 miles southeast of Chicago, according to the Lowell Fire Department.

Evidence suggests an electrical current flowed through power lines to the hot air balloon's gondola, electrocuting three people on board, officials said.

While firefighters initially said the hot air balloon could have come into contact with a power line, they later told WMAQ it got just close enough. cause an electric shock.

Video shared on Facebook shows a blue flash as the low-flying hot air balloon approached the power line.

Due to the serious burns suffered by two passengers, they were airlifted to hospitals in the Chicago area, according to firefighters. They were listed in critical condition, WMAQ reported.

Authorities said the pilot was taken by ambulance to a hospital.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the accident and the damage to the balloon and basket, according to firefighters.

©2024 The Charlotte Observer.
Visit charlotteobserver.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.