A man has died after jumping from a hot air balloon and falling into a garden in the Dutch town of Zundert on Saturday evening. Emergency services, including multiple ambulances, fire brigade, police, and an air ambulance, were dispatched to the scene following reports from a nearby balloonist.
Search teams combed the area around Sporthal Onder de Mast before discovering the body in a garden close to the sports hall, according to local media. Zundert is known as the birthplace of artist Vincent van Gogh.
Mayor Joyce Vermue expressed her condolences in a Facebook statement, saying: 'This evening, an intrusive incident took place in which someone jumped out of a hot air balloon above Zundert. The person ended up in a garden and died. My thoughts and sympathies go out first and foremost to the family and the balloon bearer.'
A support gathering was organised on Sunday afternoon at the town hall for those affected. Mayor Vermue added: 'We also realise very well that many people have seen or heard about this. Do you want to talk about this or just be casually with others? Come to the get together at the town hall this afternoon.'
An investigation into the incident has been launched by local authorities, as reported by Le Parisien.
