Police ruled out the passenger’s death as a homicide.
Tragedy struck during a hot air balloon ride over Melbourne on Monday. A passenger fell from the gondola after just 30 minutes in the air. The balloon landed safely, but the man’s body was found in a nearby residential area. Everyone else on board, including the pilot, was understandably shocked and undergoing counseling. sky news the report said.
Police spoke with other passengers in the balloon and witnesses to determine the circumstances of the death. Police ruled out the passenger’s death as a homicide. The balloon’s morning flight departs from the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city.
Industry representatives from the national commercial balloon industry and the Australian Balloon Federation expressed their condolences to the families of the victims.
The organizations added in a joint statement: “Hot air balloon baskets are designed with safety in mind, specifically to prevent passengers from accidentally falling or exiting unintentionally.
“Passengers and pilots are understandably traumatized by this tragedy and the operator is arranging psychological support and counseling for all those affected.”
A Victoria Police spokesman told Sky News: “Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a man. [the suburb of] Monday 18 March, Preston.
“Emergency services were called to Albert Street at around 7.30am where the body of a man was found.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious.”
