The injured were four women and three men aged between 28 and 62. (illustrative photo). Frederick Florin / AFP
While taking off, the balloon caught fire and suddenly fell to the ground, injuring seven people, 3 of whom were seriously injured.
Seven people were injured, three of them critically, when a hot air balloon caught fire during takeoff early Saturday, June 17, in the Zug province of northern Switzerland, police said. The balloon took off from Mettenboden in the municipality of Hünenberg around 6 a.m., caught fire and suddenly fell to the ground from a low altitude, according to a press release. The injured were four women and three men aged between 28 and 62.
Two women and a man were seriously injured in the accident, the cause of which is still unknown. Four other passengers suffered minor injuries. City firemen rushed to douse the fire and secured the spot. The injured were taken to hospital by emergency services and individuals. The Swiss Security Intelligence Service (SESE) is in charge of the investigation. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office is responsible for possible criminal proceedings, provided the accident falls within the scope of federal aviation law.
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