Tragic Hot Air Balloon Incident Claims a Life in Melbourne’s Preston Suburb

Emergency services rushed to Albert Street in Preston, Melbourne, where a tragic hot air balloon incident unfolded at 7.30am. The lifeless body of a man was discovered, marking a sorrowful turn of events in the quiet suburban area.

Authorities swiftly closed the road in both directions between Wood Street and Murray Road, urging commuters to find alternate routes. Preliminary investigations indicated that the man fell from the hot air balloon, which had landed safely at Yarra Bend Park.

Subsequent inquiries by the police aimed to piece together the circumstances leading to the fatal fall, with witnesses and other passengers from the balloon assisting in the probe. Despite the harrowing nature of the incident, law enforcement assured that foul play was not suspected, and a report for the coroner was in preparation.

The National Commercial Hot Air Ballooning Industry and the Australian Ballooning Federation extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the deceased. Both organizations emphasized the stringent safety measures in place within hot air balloon baskets, designed to prevent inadvertent falls or exits, highlighting the rarity of such tragic incidents.

Moreover, the operator, BalloonMan, was actively providing psychological support and counseling to those affected, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on passengers and the pilot involved in the ill-fated flight. WorkSafe Victoria, the Air Transport Safety Bureau, and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority were collectively investigating the incident to ascertain any regulatory or safety lapses.

This unfortunate event in Preston echoed previous hot air balloon mishaps in Victoria, including a notable 2022 incident in Elwood and a New Year’s Eve mishap in Lilydale. These incidents underscore the inherent risks associated with hot air balloon excursions, despite stringent safety protocols and regulations governing the industry.