Deadliest Hot Air Balloon Disasters Caught on Camera
Hot air balloon rides may seem peaceful, but a few rare tragedies reveal their hidden dangers. In 2013, a balloon in Luxor, Egypt, caught fire mid-air and crashed, killing 19 of the 21 tourists onboard. Footage of the fall shocked the world.
In 2016, a balloon in Lockhart, Texas, hit power lines and burst into flames, killing all 16 passengers—making it the deadliest balloon crash in U.S. history. A similar 2007 crash in British Columbia left two dead and 11 injured after a balloon struck power lines and ignited.
These heartbreaking events, many caught on camera, are stark reminders that while ballooning is mostly safe, strong safety standards and vigilant checks are essential to avoid future disasters.
