A hot air balloon incident in north-central Mexico has left one person dead and two others injured, prompting a criminal investigation by local authorities.
The incident took place Sunday morning during the First Balloon Festival, part of the 2025 Enrique Estrada Fair in the municipality of Enrique Estrada, located in the state of Zacatecas. According to officials, the hot air balloon caught fire while in flight and crashed, leading to the fatal outcome.
Zacatecas state officials confirmed that one person died in the crash and has been formally identified. Two other individuals sustained first-degree burns but are reported to be in stable condition, with their injuries not considered life-threatening.
Rodrigo Reyes, Secretary General of Zacatecas, issued a public statement expressing condolences over what he called a “regrettable incident.” He emphasized that state emergency services responded quickly and offered assistance to those affected by the tragedy. Reyes also urged municipalities to strengthen safety protocols at public events to prevent similar occurrences.
“We have requested that the State Prosecutor’s Office carry out the necessary investigations to clarify the facts and determine responsibility,” Reyes stated.
In response to the crash, the Zacatecas State Prosecutor’s Office launched a criminal probe into the incident. Prosecutors confirmed that two individuals responsible for organizing the balloon event were identified but reportedly fled the scene after the crash. Authorities later located a vehicle linked to the organizers in Zacatecas City, the state capital, and seized it as part of the investigation.
Prosecutors have stated the case is being investigated under charges of manslaughter, bodily injury, and abandonment of persons.
Disturbing footage of the incident circulated on social media, showing the balloon fully engulfed in flames while airborne. In one video, a person appears to be holding onto the balloon before tragically falling from a significant height.
¡Otro accidente en globo! Ahora ocurrió en #Zacatecas durante el Primer Festival del Globo en Enrique Estrada. Autoridades estatales confirmaron la muerte de una persona, la Fiscalía estatal ya investiga. pic.twitter.com/rKIM26iL4N
— Hiram Hurtado (@ehiramhurtado) May 11, 2025
The deadly accident has sparked outrage and renewed concern over safety regulations at public festivities in Mexico. Officials say they are working to determine whether the event met the necessary safety standards and whether criminal negligence played a role in the fire.
The First Balloon Festival was meant to be a celebratory highlight of the Enrique Estrada Fair, but it has now been overshadowed by the fatal crash and the subsequent legal fallout. Local authorities say the investigation will remain active until those responsible are held accountable.