British holidaymakers suffered serious injuries after their hot air balloon hit power lines and crashed near Mexico City’s famous Teotihuacan pyramids on March 16
This is the chilling moment a hot air balloon crashed, injuring British holidaymakers. The tourists had been enjoying a balloon tour over an archaeological site when the catastrophe occurred. The hot air balloon was in descent when it abruptly struck several high-voltage power lines and crashed onto a football pitch.
Whilst the balloon operator walked away unharmed, the British couple reportedly sustained serious injuries. The accident took place in San Lorenzo Tlamimilolpan near Mexico City, Mexico, on Monday morning.
The London-based tourists were taking an aerial tour over the Teotihuacan pyramids when they plummeted to the ground. Local farmer Refugio Hernandez, who was working on a nearby plot of land, said: “The balloon suddenly dropped as if it had been pulled.
“There was a loud bang and then screams. When we ran over, we saw the woman lying inside the basket, bleeding and moaning in pain.”
Eyewitnesses reported that she was severely bruised and appeared to have a broken leg. Her partner also suffered injuries and was said to be in a clear state of shock. Local residents rushed to help before emergency services arrived at the scene.
Paramedics stabilised the couple and quickly transported them to a private clinic in Teotihuacan. Authorities are currently investigating whether the accident was due to human error or technical failure.
Locals have claimed it’s not the first time they’ve witnessed hot air balloons perilously close to power lines in the vicinity, and are urging authorities to intervene to avert a potential disaster in the future. Local resident Maria de los Angeles Perez warned: “This could have been far worse.
“There are houses here and children playing. Today it was tourists, tomorrow it could fall in the town centre.”
Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency issued a statement late yesterday, stating: “The Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) reports that at 8.40am this morning, in the municipality of Teotihuacan, State of Mexico, an incident was reported involving a hot-air balloon coming into contact with power lines.
“Two people were travelling in the aircraft, registered as XA-OZY and operated by Happy Puerto, who suffered burns from an electric shock. They were transferred to Mexico City for treatment at a private hospital. The AFAC is launching an administrative investigation into the incident.”