Eleven people, including 8 women and 3 men, were injured at the Tazaungdaing hot air balloon festival in Pyin Oo Lwin on Monday after a balloon fell into the crowd shortly after its launch, according to the Ministry of Information.
The incident occurred around 8pm when a balloon named ‘New Place’ from Htone Bo Township fell from the sky into a crowd of spectators at the Maha Anthtookantha Pagoda.
“One of the injuries was serious, but the victim’s condition has improved,” local journalist Ko Zaw told Eleven.
“There were no deaths. All of the injured people were sent to Pyin Oo Lwin Hospital. After the balloon fell, we were shocked for a while, but the contest continued,” he said.
Pyin Oo Lwin’s hot air balloon competition began on November 11 and ended on November 15. A total of 132 balloons were launched.
Firefighters were on the scene to ensure the safety of the spectators. But one can only do so much to protect a throng of thrill-seekers from a falling ball of fire.
No injuries were reported this year at the more notorious hot air balloon festival in Taunggyi, where four people were killed in 2014.
