Hot Air Balloon Crash: Two Dead, Search Continues For Third Victim
Two victims who were on board a hot-air balloon when it struck a power line and burst in to flames in the US have been identified as members of University of Richmond staff, as a second body is recovered.
By Sadho Ram — 11 May 2014, 02:41 PM — Updated over 10 years ago
On 10 May 2014, A Hot Air Balloon Collided With A Power Line And Erupted In Flames. The Balloon Then Shot Up In The Sky Before Crashing To The Ground.
This photo provided shows what authorities say is a hot-air balloon that was believed to have caught fire and crashed in Virginia
Image via telegraph.co.ukThe balloon was one of three participating in the Mid-Atlantic Balloon Festival; it took flight from Meadow Event Park at around 8 p.m. ET on Friday. While two of the balloons landed safely in a field, the third came in contact with a live utility line, and quickly caught fire, according to the Virginia State Police's Facebook page.
nydailynews.comA Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach, Team Staff Member And A Pilot Were Inside The Balloon’s Gondola When It Tangled With Power Lines, The AP Reports
Two of the victims were identified as Natalie Lewis, 24, and Ginny Doyle, 44, both staffers at University of Richmond's basketball program
Image via nydailynews.comA University of Richmond women's basketball assistant coach and team staff member and a pilot were the passengers aboard a hot air balloon that drifted into a power line, burst into flames and crashed in Virginia. University administrators said in a news release that associate head coach Ginny Doyle and director of basketball operations Natalie Lewis were two of the three people aboard the balloon that crashed Friday night.
go.comWitnesses Said Two Of The Balloon's Passengers Jumped From The Gondola Before There Was An Explosion. The Gondola And Balloon Then Detached.
Nancy Johnson, who was attending the festival, described the scene to Mashable in an email: "All balloons were hovering behind event park then everyone just started pointing at sky. When I looked, the basket of balloon was engulfed in flames from there crowd just went silent and watched in shock."
mashable.com
Investigators Say The Remains Of Two People Were Found About A Mile Apart In Dense Woods, And The Search Continued For The Third Person
Search teams arrives at a command post for the recovery efforts from a hot air balloon accident in Ruther Glen, Va., on Saturday.
Image via nydailynews.comThe two bodies that were found are being transferred to Virginia's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for identification. The third person involved in the crash is still missing. The Civil Air Patrol has been brought in to help with the search.
mashable.com
So Far The Balloon's Wreckage Has Yet To Be Found
The search for the passengers has shifted from a rescue to a recovery operation due to the time that has passed since the crash, the AP reported.
go.comThe School President Edward L. Ayers Released A Statement On Behalf Of The University On Saturday
“As alumnae, classmates, and colleagues – and as invaluable and devoted mentors for our student-athletes – Ginny and Natalie have been beloved members of ourcommunity,” said President Edward L. Ayers. “Their leadership and friendship will endure in the lives of so many.”
"Words cannot begin to express our sorrow,” said Keith Gill, director of athletics. “We are all stunned by the tragic news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their loved ones."