One hurt in Montecasino balloon crash

698 A balloon bearing the Hyundai logo flies in Mushroom Farm Park in Sandton and residents have complained about the commercialising of the park. 161209. Picture: Bongiwe Mchunu

698 A balloon bearing the Hyundai logo flies in Mushroom Farm Park in Sandton and residents have complained about the commercialising of the park. 161209. Picture: Bongiwe Mchunu

Published Nov 21, 2014

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Johannesburg - One person sustained minor injuries when a helium balloon at Montecasino, in Fourways, was involved in an accident, Aerial Displays said on Friday.

"During a test flight an unexpected and forceful gust of wind blew the Hyundai helium passenger balloon onto the tower of a building at Montecasino," company director Francis Chikasha said in a statement.

The gondola - the basket-like structure where passengers are placed -fell to the ground during the accident.

"The operator, who was the only person in the gondola, sustained minor injuries."

"The main cable which holds the balloon to the ground also remained intact."

However, the net of the balloon tore and the envelope - the material bag which is filled with helium - subsequently ruptured.

Photographs posted on Twitter showed the balloon detached from the gondola and floating in the sky before landing on the roof of what appeared to be a residential home.

"The incident is regrettable however, the purpose of a test flight is to ensure passenger safety," said Chikasha.

"We will be carrying out further investigations with the relevant authorities."

According to the official website for the Hyundai balloon, it is the largest on the continent and can carry a maximum of 30 people at a time.

Sapa

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