British Tourists Injured in Mexico Hot Air Balloon Crash into Power Lines
Two holidaymakers from London have been injured after their hot air balloon crashed into power cables before landing on a football pitch in Mexico. The incident occurred in the Teotihuacan Valley, approximately 25 miles north-east of Mexico City, and has left one of the tourists in a critical condition.
Details of the Accident and Victims
The passengers have been identified locally as Claire Wolstenholme, 43, and her partner, Nicholas Wright, 49. Claire is reported to be in a critical condition after suffering burns from an electric shock during the crash. The accident was reported before 9am yesterday, with the pilot allegedly losing control of the balloon.
Both individuals were treated at the scene before being transported to a hospital in Mexico City for further medical care. The crash also caused a power outage for residents living near the football pitch, adding to the disruption in the area.
Investigation and Company Involvement
Investigators have named the company responsible for the hot air balloon ride as Happy Puerto. The pilot, Santiago Torres, was taken in for questioning by state prosecutors, with unconfirmed reports suggesting he has been arrested. Mexico's Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has launched an administrative investigation into the incident.
In a statement, AFAC confirmed that the incident involved the balloon, registered as XA-OZY and operated by Happy Puerto, coming into contact with power lines at 8.40am. The agency emphasized that the two passengers suffered burns from the electric shock and were transferred for treatment at a private hospital in Mexico City.
Historical Context of Hot Air Balloon Accidents
Hot air balloons have been involved in several fatal accidents in recent years, highlighting the risks associated with this form of recreation. In June last year, a hot air balloon caught fire and crashed in Praia Grande, Brazil, resulting in eight deaths out of 21 people on board.
Additionally, in April 2023, a married couple, Jose Nolasco, 50, and Viridiana Becerril, 39, burned to death in a hot air balloon accident over the Teotihuacan ruin site, close to where yesterday's incident occurred. Their 13-year-old daughter was injured in that tragedy. Footage from that event showed the balloon deflating as flames engulfed the basket.
These incidents underscore the importance of safety measures and regulatory oversight in the hot air balloon industry, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Mexico.
