Residents of Eloy City woke up to the news of a tragic and rather catastrophic accident. A group of thirteen people boarded an aircraft for a skydiving expedition and completed their exciting adventure with great ease. To make their descent, they hopped on to a hot-air balloon that crashed and claimed the lives of four people.

From an exciting skydiving adventure, it all unraveled into quite a tragic and devastating experience. There were eight skydivers, four passengers, and a balloon operator on board the A-160 passenger balloon. Unfortunately for them, there was a malfunction in the machine, forcing a last-minute escape by a number of people on board. Let’s find out how it all transpired and what authorities have to say.

Hot-air balloon crash claims lives of four people

It was a Sunday morning, and they were floating over the Arizona desert before the malfunction caused it to head straight for the ground. Eight passengers from the hot-air balloon made a last-minute leap and managed to get to safety. Unfortunately for the other four, the horrific crash claimed their lives, and they failed to escape.

The last person is critically injured, admitted to the hospital, and there’s uncertainty around his health according to police reports. Preliminary investigations of the accident revealed that there was an “unspecified problem with its envelope.” The National Transportation Safety Board is working with the police on the investigations and will conduct further analysis.

One person died immediately after the crash, while the other three passed away way while they were in the hospital. The person who injured himself critically was transported to a trauma center.

Skydiving takes a devastating turn

According to the reports of the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Investigators, the hot-air balloon had a capacity of seven riders and a pilot. This information was available on the manufacturer’s website, Cameron Balloons. They have already started examining the crash site and transferred the aircraft to a facility to dig out more evidence.

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The balloon’s envelope is the part of the hot-air balloon that gives it the look of a balloon. People also call it “the bag,” and it is constructed of stainless steel cables that are joined to the basket that carries the passenger. The final report will reveal whether it was really an envelope malfunction or another reason altogether.

Katie Bartrom, 28, was one of the four people who died in the crash, and her family spoke after their tragic loss. “It’s kind of somber here at home. We’re crying about her on and off and talking about her on and off, still trying to make it real,” said her mother, Jennifer Hubartt. Authorities have decided not to reveal the names of the victims before informing the families.

The entire incident is an unfortunate tragedy and a dark spot for a city quite known for its thriving skydiving community. Authorities have requested everyone to maintain harmony and support those affected as they carry on their investigation.