A heroic man plunged to his death when a hot air balloon caught fire in mid-air after saving two others.
The victim was dangling from a rope high in the sky as the basket became consumed by flames.
The 40-year-old reportedly plunged to his death shortly afterwards.
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His body was found in a remote field far from any built-up areas.
The accident took place during the Enrique Estrada 2025 Fair in the city of General Enrique Estrada, located north-west of Mexico City, Mexico.
Two other people were confirmed as injured during the First Hot Air Balloon Festival, which was part of the fair that ran from Friday to Sunday (9 to 11 May).
They both suffered non-life-threatening first-degree burns.
According to witnesses, the problem began when the balloon was about to take off with two others on Sunday morning (11 May).
The affected balloon broke loose from its tether as a jet of flames erupted from the burner.
The victim managed to get the two other occupants out of the basket while at a low altitude, but wasn’t able to save himself in time.
The balloon continued to rise, and he found himself dangling from the trailing rope to avoid burning in the basket.
State general secretary Rodrigo Reyes Mugüerza confirmed that one person died and two others were injured.
He added: “We have asked the State Attorney General’s Office to carry out the appropriate investigations to clarify the facts and determine who was responsible.”
Meanwhile, state officials called on festival organisers to review their protocols for high-thrill activities and improve safety measures.
In 2023, a married couple died in a blazing hot air balloon as their teen daughter jumped for her life, as reported by Need To Know.
Jose Nolasco, 50, and his daughter Regina Itzani, 13, had booked the surprise ride for his 38-year-old wife Viridania Becerril’s birthday.
They were flying over the pre-Hispanic ruin site of Teotihuacan when disaster struck.
The couple died in the fire as Regina leapt from the basket, suffering a broken arm and second-degree burns.
The fatal accident was linked to a fault in the fuel storage system.
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