A married couple died, and their daughter was severely injured in a horrific hot air balloon accident in Mexico. The newlywed couple’s tragic fate has left their family and friends in shock and mourning. As search and rescue teams continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, questions arise about the safety measures in place for such thrilling adventures. The local community is rallying to support the bereaved family during this devastating time. Witnesses reported that the pilot jumps from hot air balloon in a desperate attempt to save himself just moments before the craft plummeted to the ground. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the scene was chaotic and tragic. Investigations are now underway to determine what caused the balloon to fail so dramatically.
According to Daily Mail, “The accident took place in Mexico City Saturday, and claimed the lives of two victims, Jose Nolasco, 50, and wife Viridiana Becerril, 38, Mexican authorities have confirmed. The pair were from nearby Caujimalpa de Morelos, a city 12 miles away.”
The incident took place around 8 am local time and caused the couple – Jose Nolasco, 50, and his wife Viridiana Becerril, 39, burnt to death.
Meanwhile, their 13-year-old daughter, Regina Itzani, jumped from the burning basket to save herself from the flames and was admitted to the hospital with broken bones and second-degree burns.
The girl is expected to survive, per the cops.
“Reports concerning her age have so far been conflicted, with some indicating she was 13 and others saying she was 23. A pilot also may have been on the balloon – which had been flying over a pre-Hispanic pyramid site – but has yet to be located.”
Daily Mail reported, “Her age was not listed by local police. The incident took place over the pre-Hispanic ruin site of Teotihuacan, just north of the city – a popular site for both locals and tourists to participate in balloon rides.”
A final selfie that was taken before the tragedy shows the family smiling together one last time before the hot air balloon burst into flames.
Dramatic footage of the tragedy shows the flames engulfing the unlucky basket.
“Reyna Gloria Sarmiento, Regina’s grandmother, told the local press the teenager had yet to be told her parents had died,” The Sun reported.
“It was the birthday of my daughter Viridiana, Regina’s mum, and they had prepared this ride as a surprise for her,” she said.
Gloria also revealed that her granddaughter was conscious and stable in the hospital, and she hugged her parents before jumping out of the burning basket.
In the clip being circulated on social media of the tragedy, an onlooker could be heard saying in Spanish, “My God, people are falling,” as one person jumped from it, with a second seen jumping soon after.
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Sources: Daily Mail – The Sun
