Search Efforts Continue for Hot Air Balloon Wreckage in Caroline County Shortly before 8 p.m. Friday (May 9, 2014), three hot air balloons took flight from Meadow Event Park as part of an ongoing hot air balloon festival. The balloons headed north of the park to a designated landing zone in a field off Ruther Glen Road. Two of the balloons landed there safely. During its descent, the third balloon came in contact with a live utility line. The contact sparked an immediate fire. Based on witness accounts, the pilot attempted to regain control of the balloon and manage the fire. At one point, the balloon’s two passengers leapt from the basket/gondola. Then witnesses recall hearing an explosion and the fire continued to spread. The gondola and the balloon then separated. Virginia State Police, Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, Caroline County Fire and Rescue, and Henrico County Police spent the evening and overnight hours searching the immediate area for the balloon’s three occupants and the wreckage of the balloon and basket. The FAA also responded to the scene Friday evening. The NTSB has been notified. Searches have been conducted by air and on the ground of the rural, heavily-wooded terrain. The investigation into the incident continues at this hour (4 a.m.), as do the search efforts. At daybreak, additional state police resources are being brought in to expand the search.
Posted on: Sat, 10 May 2014 08:31:11 +0000
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