A man has died after falling from a hot air balloon in Australia.
The aircraft had only been in the air for around 30 minutes when the passenger went over the side of its basket above the city of Melbourne on Monday.
Police said the man’s body was found in a residential street at around 7.30am, while the balloon later landed safely in a park a few miles away.
There were several other people in the balloon at the time, including the pilot.
They were said to have been left “traumatised” after witnessing the tragedy and counselling is being arranged for them.
The balloon’s basket at a park in Melbourne. Pic: Diego Fedele/AAP Image via AP
Local police said the death was not being treated as suspicious.
The balloon had taken off earlier on Monday morning from a northern suburb of Melbourne, which is Australia‘s second-largest city.
The National Commercial Hot Air Ballooning Industry and the Australian Ballooning Federation expressed condolences to the man’s family and friends.
In a joint statement, the organisations added: “Hot air balloon baskets are designed with safety in mind, specifically to prevent passengers from falling out accidentally or from any accidental exit.
“Passengers and the pilot are understandably traumatised by this tragedy and the operator is arranging psychological support and counselling for all affected.”
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A spokesperson for Victoria Police told Sky News: “Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a man in [the suburb of] Preston on Monday 18 March.
“Emergency services were called to Albert Street where a man’s body was located about 7.30am.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious.”
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
