Early morning hot air balloon trip forced to make emergency landing in Gruyere

Sixteen people have escaped relatively unharmed after a hot-air balloon they were in caught fire while travelling across the Yarra Valley this morning. The veteran pilot of the craft has been praised for his efforts in performing a safe landing.

Emergency services at the debris of a hot-air balloon that crashed. Picture: Nicole Garmston

16 people have escaped relatively unharmed after a hot-air balloon they were travelling in caught alight and was forced to make an emergency landing this morning.

The balloon was making its way across the Yarra Valley around 6am on Wednesday when it was forced to land in a below paddock.

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Emergency services at the site where a hot-air balloon landed. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The veteran pilot of the balloon is being praised for his efforts in landing the craft safely, with reports he activated two fire extinguishers while performing the landing.

Senior Sergeant Mal McKern said say they received a call early this morning alerting them to the blaze.

“We got a call at about 6.15am this morning we believe from one of the people in the balloon who said they had come down in a paddock.”

All 12 people on board the hot-air balloon are believed to be safe. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Sgt McKern confirmed a 27-year-old woman has been taken to a hospital in Maroonda, but said there were no serious injuries.

He said most passengers appeared to be doing fine.

“They’re all in good spirits — it’s probably a bit of an adventure.”

An on-board fuel system issue is thought to be to blame for the fire.

The burnt tanks of a hot-air balloon forced to make an emergency landing. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Commercial ballooning industry spokesman Damian Crock said the quick-thinking pilot played an enormous effort in today’s outcome.

“The pilot has been operating for over 30 years — he’s one of the most experienced pilots in Australia and I think that experience has really paid off today,” he said.

The balloon had been in the air for approximately 20 minutes before the incident occurred.

Initial reports passengers had jumped from the basket are said to be incorrect.

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