Authorities say there appear to be no survivors of hot air balloon crash in Texas that was carrying at least 16 people.
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The crash occurred near Lockhart, Texas – a small town near Austin known for its barbecue and rich Texas history.
– Two sources told CNN the balloon may have struck power lines.
A hot air balloon rises into the early morning sky in front of the Canary Wharf financial district of London, July 25, 2011.
The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying that that there were not any survivors, according to the Dallas Morning News. Officers found the balloon basket on fire on the ground, the statement said. “And then a big ball of fire (went) up”. FAA and National Transportation Safety Board investigators are en route to the crash site, the spokesperson said.
– The NTSB says it is working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to document the scene, which is now secured for evidence collection. Sumwalt, who spoke to the AP while waiting to board a plane to Texas, said the team was still trying to gather basic information about the accident.
– Christopher O’Neill of NTSB Public Affairs said 16 is “the maximum number of passengers allowed under federal regulations governing” hot air balloon operations. Several days will be spent on field work – interviewing people and gathering evidence at the scene.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott used social media to express his sympathies for the families of those affected.
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He asked that “all of Texas to join us in praying for those lost”. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the Lockhart community.
