A family from Mississippi’s first hot air balloon experience took a shocking twist on 18 June 2023, when their thrilling escapade near Las Vegas ended in disaster. The flight, organised by Vegas Balloon Rides, was meant to be a highlight of their trip, coinciding with a concert by country music star Kenny Chesney. However, a hard landing resulted in serious injuries for one member of the family and left others with burns and various injuries.
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The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 AM local time, when emergency services received a text alerting them to a hot air balloon crash in the Stewart Valley dry lake area, situated to the west of Pahrump, Nevada. The Nye County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that there were ten individuals aboard the balloon at the time of the incident.
Brant Kairit, who was part of the ill-fated flight, described the experience as initially enjoyable until the last moments. “It was a wonderful experience until the last 30 seconds,” he explained in an interview. Kairit recounted that as they attempted to land, the balloon rose slightly before unexpectedly tipping onto its side. “We landed and went up in the air for a little bit — 20, 30 feet — and then the balloon basket tipped over on its side,” he said.
Witness accounts indicated that following the crash, a fire broke out, adding to the chaos of the situation. Nye County Sheriff Joe McGill reported that during the tumble, the occupants fell on top of each other, and an operational gas actuator was inadvertently triggered, resulting in ignition. Kairit described a harrowing scene as he emerged from the basket, with smoke, fire, and blood all around.
Despite the frightening conditions, Kairit managed to assist in extinguishing the flames. Unfortunately, his wife, Elizabeth, sustained serious injuries during the crash. In the absence of cell phone service, the family sought help by driving themselves to a nearby hospital while simultaneously alerting authorities through a text message.
Upon arrival at the crash site, deputies discovered that one unnamed passenger had sustained a severe head injury, alongside several others who were reported to have second- or third-degree burns and varying blunt-force injuries. Sheriff McGill noted that this was an unusual occurrence, stating, “This is the first time I can recall having injuries like this.” The balloon company, Vegas Balloon Rides, has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident.
Elizabeth’s injuries included broken bones in her nose and sternum, as well as fractures in her back and neck. As of 21 June, she remained hospitalised but appeared to be recovering well, according to Kairit. “She was able to walk today,” he shared optimistically.
While the family had to extend their stay in Las Vegas to accommodate Elizabeth’s treatment, they were offered a discounted rate at their hotel. The aeronautical safety regulators, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Preliminary reports suggested that a gust of wind may have contributed to the balloon’s unexpected behaviour during landing.
The unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with hot air ballooning, despite its allure as a captivating and serene experience. As investigators delve deeper into the causes of the crash, the Kairit family is grappling with the aftermath, hoping for Elizabeth’s swift and complete recovery.