A hot air balloon smoldering after crashing near the ancient archaeological complex of Teotihuacan on Friday. At least 12 people on board were seriously injured in the collision. The recent attack occurred in San Martin de las Pirámides. This site is just outside Teotihuacan, famous for the grand Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, impressive monuments to one of the largest cities in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica.
The hot air balloon was carrying 12 passengers that day. Level 3 experienced a “forced landing” after encountering an air pocket, but unfortunately did not survive the crash. Eyewitnesses described coming face to face with the recently dropped balloon. It got caught up in the fencing and power lines that run along Tuxpan Avenue, that’s a little more than a thousand feet from the pyramids’ base.
Our emergency responders immediately began to care for the injured. The impacted residents were later treated for their injuries in a locally-run medical clinic. Their conditions are still being actively reported, though full public accounts of their health condition haven’t yet been made publicly available.
The Attorney General’s Office for the state of Mexico has opened an investigation into the crash. They are not letting up on their search for the facts behind the incident. Authorities arrested a 29-year-old man they believed was associated with the hot air balloon ride. At present, it is still unclear what led to the crash and if any negligence played a role in the tragic incident.
The Pyramids of the Sun and Moon rise as the twin, ceremonial centers of Teotihuacan. Every year, scores of curious visitors come to experience their historic importance and to admire their architectural grandeur. The recent hot air balloon tragedy has raised huge alarm bells. Tourists are raising alarms about the safety of aerial tours in this unique and immensely popular destination.
Officials have not released any additional information about the ongoing investigation. They still have not disclosed who was involved in piloting the hot air balloon. As questions mount, local officials are stressing the need to keep riders safe in their new modes of recreation.
