BalloonNR Aviation Accident 2025-05-11

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Fatal Accident (1) - Private, Recreational Balloon, unkn. reg., Feria Regional General Enrique Estrada 2025 (FEREGEE), Mexico, May 11, 2025.

Interactive Map

Accident Information

Approx. Accident Location Aircraft Fat. Aircraft Inj. Ground Fat. Ground Inj. ASN Entry
22°59'49.64"N, 102°44'29.57"W 1 0 0 2 Aviation Safety Network

Aircraft Information

Type Operator Registration Serial Number Manufacture Date
Hot Air Balloon Private Unknown Unknown Unknown

Accident Video

A Word from ASX

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ASX Accident Report

On the morning of Sunday, May 11, 2025, at approximately 08:00 local time, a hot air balloon accident occurred during the inaugural Balloon Festival held as part of the Feria Regional General Enrique Estrada in Zacatecas, Mexico. The event was part of a scheduled series of tethered balloon ascents. According to information from Protección Civil, the festival was in a controlled phase of operations, with multiple balloons conducting ground-based elevation maneuvers. During one such maneuver, one of the balloons caught fire while still tethered. Most of the occupants exited the gondola before liftoff; however, one individual, identified as Lucio Bañuelos Dorado, remained aboard as the balloon unexpectedly lifted into the air while burning.

Eyewitness accounts and video recordings captured the balloon ascending to an estimated altitude of 200 meters while the gondola continued to burn. The occupant attempted to escape the fire by climbing out of the basket and hanging from a support rope. He remained suspended for approximately 20 seconds before releasing and falling to the ground, sustaining fatal injuries upon impact. Emergency services responded promptly to the incident, extinguishing the fire and securing the area. Two other individuals sustained minor injuries during the initial phase of the incident, having jumped from the balloon while it was still close to the ground.

Authorities from the State Attorney General’s Office (FGJEZ) opened a formal investigation under charges of negligent homicide, personal injury, and abandonment. Investigators identified two individuals responsible for the organization and operation of the balloon involved. These individuals reportedly fled the scene, and a vehicle associated with them was later located and secured by state police in Zacatecas. Statements from municipal and state officials confirmed that the balloon was contracted through a third-party vendor with prior participation in similar events. While the municipality stated that all safety protocols had been followed, the ongoing investigation aims to determine whether operational failures or lapses in compliance contributed to the accident.

The event has reignited scrutiny over hot air balloon operations in Mexico, particularly regarding regulatory oversight and public safety protocols at recreational festivals. The Secretary General of the Government of Zacatecas urged all municipalities to reinforce verification mechanisms in collaboration with Protección Civil to reduce risk in future events. The balloon involved was declared destroyed, and festival activities were suspended following the incident. Official updates continue to be managed by regional authorities as investigations remain active.

This page will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Sources and References

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