11 dead in hot air balloon crash in New Zealand

New Zealand officials said that a hot air balloon crashed early Saturday killing 11 people including the pilot.

The police said that the cause of the crash was still unknown but one theory was that a fire started on board the balloon and sent it plunging to the ground.

Weather was not a likely factor in the crash according to a spokesperson for the Wairarapa District Health Board.

An eyewitness said the balloon hit an electricity cable as it descending and another said the balloon had already caught fire before crashing into the ground.

A large cloud of smoke could be seen after the balloon hit the ground.

Officials said that next-of-kin were in the process of being notified and the names of victims would not be released until all relatives were notified.

This is the third fatal accident to be reported in New Zealand’s hot air ballooning history. It is considered to be the safest form of air-travel.