A British couple has sustained injuries following an incident involving a hot air balloon in Mexico, which occurred on March 16. Local reports indicate that Clare Wolstenholme, 43, and her husband Nicholas Wright, 49, were injured when the balloon struck power cables during an emergency landing.
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The Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) confirmed the incident via a translated statement, revealing that the crash took place at approximately 8:40 a.m. local time in the vicinity of the Teotihuacan archaeological site. The agency’s report stated, “An incident was reported due to an impact on electrical power cables by a hot air balloon,” and indicated that the couple sustained burns from the electrical shock that followed the collision.
Following the accident, Wolstenholme and Wright were transported to a private hospital in Mexico City for medical treatment. Authorities have initiated an administrative investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the event, with the incident consequently drawing attention to the safety measures in place for hot air balloon operations.
Eyewitnesses claim that the hot air balloon, operated by the company Happy Puerto, was piloted by Santiago Torres at the time of the crash. Reports suggest Torres attempted to make an emergency landing on a nearby soccer field in Cruz de la Misión but lost control as the balloon grazed overhead power lines.
According to local journalistic sources, the pilot has since been arrested due to the incident, with preliminary investigations suggesting that the collision led to damage to nearby household appliances. The hot air balloon and its basket have reportedly been removed from the crash site by local authorities.
Local residents recounted the incident, expressing concerns about the safety of aerial activities in the area, especially given the proximity of power lines. As reports emerged, it was revealed that at least two other incidents involving hot air balloons hitting power lines had occurred earlier in the month, prompting calls for stricter regulations on balloon flights in residential areas.
Happy Puerto has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, and attempts to reach the Federal Civil Aviation Agency for additional comments have also been made. The couple’s families and friends have been informed of their condition but are reportedly waiting for updates on their recovery.
As the investigation unfolds, it highlights the potential hazards associated with balloon flights and the importance of adhering to safety protocols, especially when operating in close proximity to populated areas.
Public interest in the couple’s welfare remains high, and updates are anticipated as both the hospital and the investigating authorities provide further information on the incident and the couple’s recovery.