Swiss hot air balloon crash kills American tourist
Hot air-balloons fly over a field of sunflowers in Chambley-Bussieres, eastern France on July 27, 2013 as part of the yearly event ‘Lorraine Mondial Air Balloons,’ an international air-balloon meeting.
An American father vacationing with his family in Switzerland was killed on Tuesday when the hot air balloon he was riding in crashed, also seriously injuring his family and the balloon's pilot.
The hot air balloon was attempting to land in the Swiss town of Montbovon after a two-hour flight from the town of Chateaux-d'Oex when it hit a high-voltage power line, plummeting 165 feet to the ground.
Rescue workers tried to resuscitate the 55-year-old father of two, but he died at the scene.
His wife, 55, and their two daughters, aged 20 and 24, were evacuated by helicopter to a hospital where they are being treated for life-threatening injuries.
More from GlobalPost: Hot air balloon crash in Turkey kills 2, injures 23
The balloon's 65-year-old pilot also suffered serious injuries and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
Authorities said an investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.
The Swiss incident isn't the first hot air balloon crash to leave its passengers dead and injured this year. In May, two balloons collided in Turkey, leading one to crash to the ground, killing two tourists and injuring another two dozen.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.
Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.