Authorities have confirmed the tragic death of four individuals and the critical injury of another person in a hot air balloon crash-landing in the desert in Eloy, Arizona, on Sunday morning.
The Eloy Police Department reported that the crash occurred in a remote desert area at 7:30 a.m.
The Mayor of Eloy has confirmed that a total of 13 individuals were on board the hot air balloon at the time of the crash, comprising eight skydivers, four passengers, and a pilot, as per ABC News.
Witnesses reported that just before the crash, the skydivers had exited the hot air balloon. They observed the balloon fluctuating in altitude before the impact occurred, according to KNXV.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other three victims succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. A fifth individual remains in critical condition at Valley Hospital.
NTSB officials have stated that the hot air balloon crashed due to an unspecified issue with its envelope. The NTSB and FAA officials are actively conducting the investigation into the incident.
