A hot air balloon carrying 34 passengers crash-landed in a meadow in Friesland, in the northern Netherlands, late Wednesday evening, resulting in one fatality and injuries to five others, local authorities confirmed.
The balloon plummeted suddenly at approximately 9 p.m., striking the ground with significant force, according to a statement by Friesland officials. The impact caused the basket to bounce violently, and several passengers were ejected.
A representative of the Royal Netherlands Aeronautical Association attributed the accident to a sudden gust of wind that triggered the hard landing. Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
Emergency responders reported one death at the scene and five individuals were transported to hospital with injuries. No further details were disclosed regarding the condition of the injured, nor their identities or precise health status.
