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Violent Wind Gust Sends Hot-Air Balloon Crashing in Friesland, One Dead and Five Injured

The Dutch aviation police are investigating whether an abrupt weather shift compounded by a 34-passenger load caused the landing crash.

Overview

  • The balloon’s XL basket carried 34 people and struck a meadow near De Hoeve after a sudden gust during its descent.
  • Eyewitnesses and police say a violent wind shift caused the basket to lurch forward, ejecting five passengers before it bounced along the ground.
  • Emergency services deployed 14 ambulances and two helicopters, and rescuers were unable to revive one victim while at least five others received hospital treatment.
  • Two of the injured are believed to be in serious condition after suffering fractures and other injuries.
  • Dutch aviation police have launched a formal investigation, examining weather data, passenger load procedures and the pilot’s extensive flight record.