Accidents
Man falls to his death from hot air balloon in Australia
Police cordoned off the site where the body was found in the Melbourne suburb of Preston. photo
© Diego Fedele/AAP/dpa
Tragedy in Melbourne: Shortly after takeoff, a man falls from a hot air balloon. The body is found in a residential area.
In Australia, a participant in a balloon ride fell to his death from a basket. The The accident apparently occurred on Monday morning (local time) shortly after take-off over a suburb of Melbourne, the Australian “Guardian” reported, citing the emergency services.
The body was discovered in a residential area. The police cordoned off the site and spoke to the other occupants of the hot air balloon and eyewitnesses to clarify the circumstances of the tragedy. The aviation security authority also opened an investigation.
The balloon later landed safely in a park. According to media reports, the pilot and the shocked passengers were offered psychological support. “Hot air balloon baskets are designed for safety, particularly to prevent passengers from accidentally falling out,” the Australian Balloon Association said, extending its condolences to the man’s relatives.