The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a hot air balloon crash that occurred over the weekend in northwest Indiana, injuring three people and capturing the balloon colliding with power lines on a bystander’s camera.
According to the Lowell Fire Department, the crash happened just before 7 p.m. Sunday in an unincorporated area in the eastern part of the town of Lowell. The hot air balloon was found in a field with the outer box still attached to the basket and three people inside.
A passerby captured the accident on video.
“I think they’re in big trouble,” a woman can be heard saying as she begins filming, moments before the balloon hits the power line. A few seconds into the video, a blue flash can be seen.
Indiana serial killer’s 18-acre estate littered with 10,000 bodies and still holds secrets
Debbie Wajvoda filmed the crash and wondered if someone was in the basket. (Debbie Wajwoda/TMX)
“It hit the wires and sparks started,” said a woman who identified herself as Debbie Wajiboda. “The basket appears to be empty.”
The balloon continued to fly while I asked, “Where is the person inside the balloon?”
Indiana man pleads guilty to all charges in 2021 murder of elderly couple
Blue sparks were seen the moment the hot air balloon appeared to come into contact with the power lines. (Debbie Wajwoda/TMX)
Fire officials said evidence at the scene showed that an electric current had passed through the wires and into the cage, causing “severe” burns to those inside. Two patients were flown by medical helicopter to a treatment facility. The balloon’s pilot was taken by ground ambulance to a medical center.
One of the passengers aboard the hot air balloon at the time of the crash was 53-year-old Teri Campbell, her daughter Morgan told ABC 7 Chicago. She was reportedly awake, talking and walking.
“She’s definitely shocked and we all know it could have been a lot worse,” Morgan told the local TV station.
Debbie Wyvoda thought something was wrong with the balloons and started recording them. (Debbie Wajwoda/TMX)
Click here to get the FOX News app
The National Transportation Safety Board, along with local fire and sheriff’s deputies, helped search the crash site before turning the investigation over to the FAA.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
