Nine hurt in Hunter Valley hot-air balloon crash

THE hot air balloon company behind a crash in the Hunter Valley where nine people were injured today has tried to downplay the incident, saying it was just a “bit of a firm landing”.

THE hot air balloon company behind a crash in the Hunter Valley where nine people were injured has tried to downplay the incident, saying it was just a “bit of a firm landing”.

The hot-air balloon, which is believed to have had up to 24 people in basket, came down at Macdonald Rd and Broke Rd, Pokolbin about 8.30am.

But police said a triple-0 call wasn’t made after a hot-air balloon crashed and it was subsequently packed up before authorities could inspect the scene.

A NSW Ambulance spokeswoman said nine people, aged between seven and 38, were taken to Cessnock Hospital for treatment, with injuries ranging from suspected broken limbs through to suspected spinal injuries.

The balloon came down at Macdonald Rd and Broke Rd, Pokolbin.

Matt Scaise, from the ballooning company, said the injuries were not serious.

“We had a bit of a firm landing that was all — it was a routine landing,” he said.

“They landed firmer than normal, and when they landed the pilot said ‘is everybody okay’, and three people said they had a few problems ... our crew member took three to Cessnock Hospital.

“There were no emergency vehicles. It is absolutely ridiculous, they wouldn’t even know even if there was a spinal injury.

“They just love to inflame this stories, it hits our business so hard.”

Nine people were taken to Cessnock Hospital after the accident.

Mr Scaise said the passengers were having champagne as part of an Easter breakfast.

NSW Police questioned why the operators didn’t call emergency services and quickly packed up the balloon after it came down.

It’s thought the balloon may have hit a tree when landing.

“I think it would be common sense to make that call if you have injured people on the ground,” Inspector Robert Post said today, adding the company was co-operating.

Emergency services at the scene of the January crash.

Asked if it should have been left where it was after it crashed, Insp Post said: “Some would argue yes.”

Two of the nine injured passengers have been transferred to the John Hunter Hospital for specialised treatment.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified of the incident and police are investigating.

The accident comes just two months after six people were hurt when another hot-air balloon crashed with 15 on board hit a bush during a heavy landing at Greta, 21km north of Cessnock.

— with AAP