Investigators are examining the possibility that a hot air balloon that crashed in flames south of Austin, Texas, may have hit power lines although it is unclear if the fire broke out before any collision.
All 16 people aboard the balloon — 15 passengers and the pilot — were killed in the crash.
The early morning flight was due to take off at 6.49 am but took off after a delay on the ground. Power supplies to the rural area tripped around 7.42 am and emergency services were alerted immediately afterwards.
The investigation is looking at three main factors to determine the cause of the accident: the balloon, its operators and the environment; the latter to establish if fog may have been a factor.
Saturday’s crash is the most fatal hot air balloon crash in US history.
Image for illustration purposes only.
About the Author
Neil Wallington is a former British Chief Fire Officer, a Past International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers, and a holder of the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct. He is the author of 17 books on the work of the fire service, and acts as a consultant with extensive experience in the Gulf on a range of projects.
