The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a hot air balloon accident in northwest Indiana over the weekend, three people were injured and the balloon’s collision with power lines was filmed by a passerby.
The accident happened shortly before 7 p.m. Sunday in an unincorporated area east of the city of Lowell, according to Lowell Fire Department officials. The hot air balloon was found in a field with the envelope still attached to the basket, where three people were found inside.
A passerby filmed the accident.
“I think they’re in trouble,” the woman who began filming just before the ball hit the power lines can be heard saying. A few seconds into the video, a blue flash was visible.
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As Debbie Wajvoda filmed the collision with the power lines, she wondered if there was anyone in the basket. (Debbie Wajvoda/TMX)
“It hit some power lines and I saw a spark,” said the woman, identified as Debbie Wajvoda. “Looks like the basket is empty.”
The balloon continued to fly as she asked, “Where is the person who was in the balloon?”
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A blue spark could be seen as the hot air balloon is believed to have come into contact with the power lines. (Debbie Wajvoda/TMX)
Firefighters say evidence at the scene showed an electrical current passed from the power lines to the basket, injuring those inside who suffered “severe” burns. Two patients were transported by medical helicopter to facilities for treatment. The balloon pilot was transported by ground ambulance to a medical center.
One of the passengers aboard the hot air balloon at the time of the crash was identified as Teri Campbell, 53, her daughter Morgan told ABC 7 Chicago. She would be conscious, talking and walking.
“She’s definitely surprised and…we all know it could have been a lot worse,” Morgan told the local television channel.
Debbie Wajvoda thought something was wrong with the balloon and started recording. (Debbie Wajvoda/TMX)
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Working with local firefighters and sheriff’s deputies, the National Transportation Safety Board assisted at the crash site before turning over the investigation to the FAA.
THE cause of the accident is under investigation.
