Crime & Safety
Hot Air Balloon Explodes Over Temecula Wine Country, Passengers Burned and Injured
The explosion happened in the gondola and will be investigated by the Federal Aviation Agency.
A hot-air balloon exploded after landing in Temecula Wine Country today, leaving one person with burn injuries and two others badly hurt, according to the Riverside County Fire Department spokesman.
The balloon, with five people on board, landed at the corner of Vino Way and Calle Cabernet at about 7:44 a.m. The explosion happened in the gondola and was under investigation, Riverside County Fire Department Mark Annas said.
It was unclear why the balloon had to land.
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One person was taken to a regional burn center. The extent of that person's injuries was not disclosed. Two other people had what were described as major injuries, Annas said.
Two more people were taken to a hospital with what firefighters said was moderate to minor injuries.
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The Federal Aviation Administration was investigating the explosion, FAA Public Affairs Manager Ian Gregor said. The National Transportation Safety Board will also look into what happened, Annas said.
-City News Service
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