A tragic hot air balloon accident left four people dead and one seriously injured when a hot air balloon crashed into the Arizona desert Sunday morning, according to the Eloy Police Department.
Just before 8 a.m., police were called to the scene of a fatal crash near Eloy, Arizona.
the police said FOX10 Phoenix Eight skydivers jumped out of the balloon before it crashed, but five people remained inside the balloon, including the pilot and four companions.
In a news release, officers said one of the four victims died at the scene and three were taken to a local hospital where they later died. A fifth victim was airlifted to a Phoenix hospital in critical condition.
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FILE – The cause of a hot air balloon crash that killed four people and seriously injured one in Arizona Sunday morning is under investigation. (St. Petersburg)
Police said out of respect for their privacy, they are not releasing the victim's name at this time until next of kin is notified.
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The National Transportation Safety Board logo and signage are seen during a press conference at NTSB headquarters in Washington, Dec. 18, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
“We are working closely with federal agencies, including the NTSB and FAA, to investigate the cause of this tragic incident,” Eloy Police said in a statement. “As we continue our efforts, we ask for your thoughts and support for the families and loved ones affected during this difficult time.”
