A hot air balloon accident in the northern Dutch province of Friesland has left one person dead and five others injured, local authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening near the village of De Veenhoop, when the balloon attempted to land in a nearby field.
According to the Friesland Safety Authority, sudden gusts of wind disrupted the descent, causing the balloon to collide with the ground multiple times before being dragged several meters.
The balloon was carrying 34 passengers, including the pilot and a crew member. Three of the injured remain in serious condition.
Eyewitnesses told Dutch media they saw the balloon slam into the ground repeatedly during the turbulent landing. Officials from the Safety Authority described the scene as “a terrifying moment of panic”.
Police have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.
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