British Tourists Seriously Injured in Mexico Hot Air Balloon Crash
Two British holidaymakers have sustained serious injuries after a terrifying hot air balloon crash near Mexico City. The incident occurred on Monday morning in San Lorenzo Tlamimilolpan, close to the famous Teotihuacan archaeological site, when the balloon struck high-voltage power lines and plummeted onto a football field.
Witnesses Describe Scene of Horror
Local farmer Refugio Hernandez, who was working nearby, described the sudden descent. "The balloon suddenly dropped as if it had been pulled," he said. "There was a loud bang and then screams. When we ran over, we saw the woman lying inside the basket, bleeding and moaning in pain." Witnesses reported the female tourist appeared to have a broken leg and severe bruising, while her male partner was injured and in clear shock.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Paramedics stabilised the couple at the scene before rushing them to a private clinic in Teotihuacan. They were later transferred to a hospital in Mexico City for further treatment. Mexico's Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) confirmed the balloon, registered as XA-OZY and operated by Happy Puerto, came into contact with power lines at 8.40am, causing electric shock burns to both passengers.
The AFAC has launched an administrative investigation to determine whether the crash resulted from human error or technical failure. This comes amid local concerns about safety, with residents reporting previous incidents of balloons flying dangerously close to power lines in the area.
Local Calls for Safety Measures
Resident Maria de los Angeles Perez expressed alarm, stating, "This could have been far worse. There are houses here and children playing. Today it was tourists, tomorrow it could fall in the town centre." Locals are urging authorities to implement stricter regulations to prevent future tragedies, highlighting the need for improved oversight of hot air balloon operations near populated and infrastructural areas.
While the balloon operator emerged unscathed, the British couple, who live in London, were on an aerial tour of the Teotihuacan pyramids when the disaster struck. Their conditions remain under medical supervision as investigations continue into the causes of this alarming incident.
