Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
A dramatic encounter unfolded when two hot air balloons collided mid-air, sparking panic among the onlookers and passengers alike.
The nerve-wracking episode transpired in the quaint Dutch hamlet of Luttelgeest, situated to the northeast of Amsterdam, on a Sunday.
Alarming Video Captures
Hot Air Balloons Collide
Graphic video demonstrates a hot air balloon ascending from the ground when an abrupt shift in wind direction causes it to drift towards another balloon.
The recording displays the vessels colliding into each other as the basket of the initial balloon crashes into the upper section of the second balloon’s envelope. The screams of frightened passengers echo in the background.
Riders found themselves clinging onto the basket as it tangled with the second balloon. For a moment, it teetered at almost a horizontal slant.
Aircraft Compromise
Post-collision, the second hot air balloon’s envelope was seen flaccid and scrunched on the ground. Meanwhile, the first balloon managed to safely float away, leaving shocked riders and spectators in its wake.
Fortunately, the incident resulted in no physical harm, only shaken nerves.
Riders were left fearing for their lives after two hot air balloons collided midair on Sunday
The unprecedented encounter occurred in the Dutch town of Luttelgeest, situated north-east of Amsterdam
Footage shows a hot air balloon launching from the ground when suddenly a change in wind direction causes a collision
One observer recounted: ‘As it was lifting off, the wind angled it upward. Then, things began to spiral out of control.’
Rash of Recipe
Balloon Incident in Dubai
The most recent hot air balloon fray stems from a series of disconcerting events surrounding the popular leisure pursuit.
Several weeks prior, a hot air balloon carrying a group of tourists in Dubai plunged to the ground. Disturbing footage depicts a Russian tourist and her mother aboard the balloon ride over the desert, which had taken off at dawn. Suddenly, the balloon ‘ tipped too sharply to the side’ and began to nosedive.
The basket struck the ground before being dragged along, colliding with the earth repeatedly. Several occupants sustained injuries and were transported to a medical facility. Some passengers were reportedly unconscious following the crash.
However, the company operating the hot air balloon outings contended that no accident had ensued, asserting that the event was merely a ‘ rough landing’. Their spokesperson confirmed that passengers experienced only minor injuries and had already been discharged from the hospital.
Sunday’s hot air balloon crash is just the latest in a series of unfortunate incidents involving the tourist draw
Turkey Encounter
Last year, two British travelers witnessed a terrifying scene when a colossal hot air balloon packed with out-of-town visitors struck Turkey’s celebrated ‘ Fairy Chimneys’ rock formations after an unexpected gust of wind.
Rebecca Horsfall, 31, captured the hair-raising moment as the basket carrying 20 tourists and two pilots collided with the rocks at Love Valley in Cappadocia, Turkey, around 6 am. She stated, ‘Suddenly, individuals were screaming and dashing to the edge of the valley.’
Ms. Horsfall, from Burnley, recounted, ‘It was terrifying to witness the hot air balloon basket tumble down the mountain.’ It all unfolded while her partner Kieran McDonnell, 30, was snapping pictures for social media at sunrise.
A sudden gust propelled the air balloon against the rocks as the pilot, Caner Uzun, attempted to land across from Love Valley, local media reported. Footage reveals the balloon deflating as emergency personnel rushed to the scene to assist the passengers.
Ms. Horsfall mentioned that their drone captured footage of a tourist onboard, who appeared to have fainted. None of the travelers or crew sustained injuries during the rock landing.
Ms. Horsfall, an independent event coordinator, acknowledged that is it a safe activity. ‘The balloon seems to have snagged on the rocks. The gorges are narrow, and pilots prefer to navigate the balloons at low altitudes for the passengers’ optimal experience.
A passenger on the balloon affirmaely said the pilot constantly reassuring them, despite the turbulent landing. Mrs. Horsfall’s video recording shares, ‘Well folks, we’re just departing Love Valley now and this isn’t what we anticipated seeing. We’ve visited Cappadocia for a week, observing the balloons rise each morning.’
Fortunately, emergency services swiftly arrived, making it seem like everyone exited safely. No major injuries have been reported,’ she added.