In Poland, a hot air balloon crashed into a house, causing casualties
A tragic accident involving a passenger hot air balloon occurred in the Polish town of Zielona Góra in the Lubusz Province. The incident took place on the morning of 9 March in the area of Chrobrego Street.
According to preliminary information, the balloon hit a residential building in the Krzywoustego Street area, after which it began to fall and crashed to the ground near Chrobrego Street.
There were three women in the basket of the balloon. Two of them were able to leave the basket on their own after landing. They were taken to hospital for examination.
The third person fell out of the basket during the incident. Rescuers later found the body of a 28-year-old woman on the roof of one of the houses. Despite resuscitation efforts, she could not be saved.
The deceased was an experienced hot air balloon pilot and a member of the Lubusz Air Club. This was reported by Malgorzata Stanislaska from the Municipal Police in Zielona Góra. According to her, the other two passengers left the basket on their own after landing and did not suffer any serious injuries.
Emergency services are working at the scene. They are securing the area and investigating the circumstances of the incident.
The causes of the accident will also be determined by the State Commission for the Investigation of Aviation Events.
According to an RMF FM journalist, the hot air balloon belonged to the Lubusz Land Aeroclub.
The balloon's fabric got caught on a tree and is currently hanging over a city bus. The area around the scene of the accident has been cordoned off until the balloon is dismantled.
There are significant traffic complications in the area of Chrobry Street. In particular, public transport routes have been changed.
According to preliminary police data, the balloon took off from the Zatone area in Zielona Góra at around 6 a.m. Approximately two hours later, when it was over the city centre, the balloon caught on a residential building and began to fall. It is believed that at this moment, a 28-year-old woman fell out of the basket and landed on the roof of one of the buildings.
