A couple died and their daughter was injured after a hot air balloon they were riding in caught fire – shortly after they posed for a final family photo in front of the plane.
The accident happened in Mexico City on Saturday and claimed the lives of two victims, Jose Nolasco, 50, and his wife Viridiana Becerril, 38, Mexican authorities have since confirmed.
A video posted to social media by horrified onlookers shows the incident – with the balloon rapidly descending as it bursts into flames. The chilling footage also shows occupants either falling or appearing to jump out of the vehicle, to the dismay of onlookers.
The couple’s daughter, identified as Regina Itzani, was also in the balloon, police said, but is expected to survive. She is believed to have jumped out of the vehicle and suffered a broken arm and second-degree burns.
Her age was not immediately clear. Some reports on the surface suggest she was 13, while some posts on social media suggest she was 23. A pilot was also reportedly aboard the balloon and has yet to be found.
Scroll down for the video:
The accident happened in Mexico City on Saturday and claimed the lives of two victims, Jose Nolasco, 50, and his wife Viridiana Becerril, 39. The couple’s daughter Regina Itzani (seen here) was also in the balloon but will expected survival
A video posted to social media by horrified onlookers shows the balloon rapidly descending as it bursts into flames. It shows occupants either falling or appearing to jump out of the vehicle
Her age was not listed by local police. The incident happened over the pre-Hispanic ruin site of Teotihuacan, just north of the city – a popular spot for locals and tourists to take part in balloon rides.
Best known for its twin temples of the sun and moon, it was once a large city that was home to over 100,000 pre-Aztec people and covered approximately 8 square miles.
The ancient city was at its peak between 100 B.C. and 750 AD One of the largest in the world before being abandoned before the rise of the Aztecs in the 14th century.
Footage captured at the historic site shows the hot air balloon being deflated as flames quickly engulf the basket below, in which the Mexican family enjoyed their ride.
A bystander is heard saying in Spanish, “My god, people are falling,” as one person falls to the ground – moments later another person is seen jumping. The vehicle also appears to be tied to the ground, although police have not yet confirmed why.
It was not immediately clear whether this person was Regina or the pilot of the hot air balloon, who is also said to have been on the plane.
He is believed to be the second person in the footage to jump out of the basket as the balloon is quickly engulfed in flames. The whereabouts of the pilots on Sunday are believed to be unknown.
Mexican police were seen at the spot where the balloon came down on Saturday and covered the suspected bodies of the couples with a tarpaulin.
The cause of the accident is currently being investigated, said the police in Mexico City on Sunday.
Mexican police were seen at the spot where the balloon came down on Saturday and covered the suspected bodies of the couples with a tarpaulin
The cause of the accident is currently being investigated, said the police in Mexico City on Sunday
The incident happened over the pre-Hispanic ruin site of Teotihuacan, just north of the city – a popular site known for its Pre-Aztec pyramids
Footage shows the hot air balloon being deflated as flames quickly engulf the basket below, in which the Mexican family enjoyed their ride
A bystander is heard saying in Spanish, “My god, people are falling,” as one person falls to the ground – moments later another person is seen jumping
Yesterday, a selfie photo of the family just before the hot air balloon burst into flames circulated on social media as the ride turned out to be a surprise birthday present organized for Viridiana by Regina and her father.
Reyna Gloria Sarmiento, Regina’s grandmother, told local press the teenager had not yet learned her parents had died.
She added, “It was my daughter Viridiana’s birthday, Regina’s mother, and they had prepared this ride for her as a surprise.”
Gloria said her granddaughter was “conscious” and stable in hospital and also revealed that she hugged her parents before jumping out of the hot air balloon.
An investigation into the tragedy is underway. Initial local reports said it could be related to a fault in the fuel storage system.
City officials in Caujimalpa de Morelos, west of Mexico City, where the family is from, said in a statement: “We extend our condolences to the family, friends and acquaintances of Jose Nolasco and Viridiana Becerril who died in the Teotihuacan hot air balloon tragedy died.
“Our solidarity and prayers are with Regina and we wish her a speedy recovery.”