A devastating hot air balloon crash in the Arizona desert on Sunday morning has left four people dead and one critically injured. The balloon, which was carrying eight skydivers and a pilot, crashed near the city of Eloy around 8am local time shortly after the skydivers had jumped from the aircraft.
According to a statement from the Eloy Police Department, the balloon was still carrying five people when it crashed – the pilot and four passengers who were along for the recreational ride. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene while the other three were rushed to a nearby hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries. The fifth passenger was airlifted to a hospital in Phoenix and remains in critical condition.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released, pending notification of their families. The Eloy Police Department said it is working closely with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to determine the cause of this “tragic event.”
While hot air balloon rides are a popular tourist activity in parts of the United States and internationally, they can also be dangerous. Hot air balloons are at the mercy of unexpected weather changes and other conditions that can quickly turn a joyride into a tragedy.
According to a USA Today analysis, there were more than 20 fatal hot air balloon crashes in the United States between 2008 and 2022. Common causes include striking power lines, getting entangled in trees while attempting to land, balloon deflation or collapse, and baskets tipping over during rough landings. Operators may also underestimate weather risks or pilot error can lead to accidents.
Sunday’s Arizona crash is a heartbreaking reminder of the inherent risks involved in hot air balloon rides. The NTSB and FAA will conduct a thorough investigation to determine if mechanical failure, weather conditions or some other factor was the cause of the accident.
The people of Eloy and the broader ballooning community are grieving the lives lost. “While we continue our efforts, we ask for your thoughts and support for the families and loved ones affected during this difficult time,” the Eloy Police Department said. Investigators will now undertake the somber task of piecing together exactly what went wrong high up in the Arizona sky on that fateful morning.
