A hot air balloon was transporting 16 people Monday morning July 3, 2017 when wind conditions forced an emergency landing that ended up in a pond in Orange County, Florida.
Florida Highway Patrol and Orange County Fire Rescue responded about 8:00 a.m. Monday July 3, 2017 to State Road 429 and Western Way for a report of a crashed balloon into retention pond. The retention pond was infested with alligators.
The pilot had to make an emergency landing because of an issue with the wind, according to Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Kim Montes. “He attempted to land in a field off the turnpike, but ended up in a retention pond.“
When the basket hit the water, it overturned, sending passengers into the pond. A total of 17 people were onboard the hot air balloon basket.
Most of the deflated balloon was draped across the grassy shoulder near the southbound lanes of State Route 429. All lanes of State Route 429, which was located near the Disney World Western Gate and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park were open.
No one was seriously injured in the crash.
AIRCRAFTW – S SR 429. Hot air balloon into retention pond. 15 ppl on side of pond. No haz, 1 BLS, cancel additional units.
— OCFire Rescue (@OCFireRescue) July 3, 2017
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