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Four people were killed and another critically injured after a hot air balloon crash Sunday morning near Eloy, Arizona, authorities said.
According to the Eloy police press release there were 13 people were on board the balloon gondola – eight skydivers, one operator and four passengers.
The crash occurred about 7:50 a.m. Sunday in a rural desert area about 60 miles (97 km) south of Phoenix.
Multiple people made 911 calls to report the crash.
The incident occurred after the eight skydivers had exited the balloon.
”What we know at this point is the skydivers were able to exit the balloon without incident and completed their planned skydiving event, and then shortly thereafter something catastrophic happened with the balloon causing it to crash to the ground,” said Eloy Police Chief Byron Gwaltney.
According to an eyewitness, the material of the hot air balloon was straight up and down as it came down and the impact was large.
Three people were taken to an area hospital, where they later died. One person was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
The person in critical condition was taken to a trauma center in Phoenix, according to Powell.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are at the scene investigating. Information about the balloon’s flight plan, including its take-off point and destination, is not available. Investigators are speaking to witnesses and reviewing video of the incident to piece together what led up to the crash.
The victims’ names are being withheld until their relatives can be notified, police said.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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