3 people missing after hot air balloon bursts into flames, crashes in Virginia

[Statistikhengst]

Horrifying:

Photo source


Hot air balloon catches fire over Virginia; search for 3 - CNN.com

A hot air balloon drifted into power lines, burst into flames and crashed into a Virginia countryside Friday night. Three people believed to be in the burning gondola are missing.

Images from the scene showed the balloon soaring in the air with its bottom part ablaze.

Witnesses described people falling or jumping out of its basket from dizzying heights. Police are searching for its pilot and two passengers, who are missing after the crash 25 miles north of Richmond.

'I'm going to die'

Those aboard the balloon pleaded for their lives, Carrie Hager-Bradley told CNN affiliate WWBT.

"They were just screaming for anybody to help them. 'Help me, help me, sweet Jesus, help, I'm going to die. Oh my God, I'm going to die,'" she said.

Also being reported here:

Hot Air Balloon Carrying Three Burns, Explodes and Crashes in Virginia - NBC News

PHOTOS: Hot-air balloon bursts into flames | WTVR.com

Hot air balloon bursts into flames after hitting power cables in Virginia - Telegraph



Terrible. Prayers for the families of the victims.