Two die in hot air balloon crash
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Two men died when a hot air balloon attempting a high-altitude flight went out of control and crashed in Somerset yesterday.
It is thought the sole occupants of the balloon were trying to ascend to 20,000 feet – the height at which passengers planes cruise – when it descended rapidly.
Onlookers described seeing flames coming from the basket as it crash-landed on a bowling green in Midsomer Norton, near Bath. The men would probably have been carrying oxygen masks.
Investigators said no other aircraft or anyone on the ground was involved. Eyewitness Robert Biggs said: "We looked up, and this hot air balloon came hurtling down."
The basket was not intact. An investigation has been launched by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments