11 injured, two missing in B.C. balloon crash

[krispos42]

Source: The Globe and Mail (Canada)

Canadian Press

August 25, 2007 at 8:01 AM EDT

SURREY, B.C. — Eleven people have been injured and two are missing after a hot air balloon caught fire and crashed to the ground as horrified witnesses looked on.

RCMP Sgt. Roger Morrow said 15 ambulances, two air ambulances and eight fire trucks raced to the scene at Hazelmere Trailer Park on Friday evening.

<snip>

“It was horrifying,” he said. “Just looking at people screaming and jumping out of there. Some of them, I think, had fire on their clothes. It was just awful.”

Witnesses also said propane tanks from the balloon shot off and landed on the RV park below as three trailers and several vehicles burst into flames.

<more>



Read more: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070825.wballooncrash25/BNStory/National/home

---

God, this must be terrifying. Two of the worst fears for people: falling from great heights and fire, all rolled into one.

Apparently something similar happened in Manitoba earlier this month as well.

[Hepburn]

1. Wow, that must have been a HUGE gondola on that balloon...

...most of the ones I have been around can hold only about 3 people in the gondola! What an awful, awful accident.

[mainer]

2. Two things I won't do: choppers and hot air balloons

Neither are very safe. Both have horrifying safety records.

[Hepburn]

3. I have done both of those things....

...and actually love them both! However, I do have problems with elevators! :hi:

[flamingyouth]

4. Two of the passengers died from burns.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1101AP_Canada_Balloon_Crash.html

This was breaking on our local news last night. It looked horrifying.