A tragic incident unfolded at the First Balloon Festival in Zacatecas, Mexico, as a man fell to his death after clinging to a burning hot air balloon.
Shocking video footage shows the balloon soaring through the sky with flames consuming its lower half. Thick smoke billowed into the air as a man was seen desperately dangling from a rope attached to the basket. Moments later, he lost his grip and fell.
Authorities confirmed the fatality, with Rodrigo Reyes Mugüerza, Secretary General of Zacatecas, announcing that the victim died following the “unfortunate incident.” Emergency teams responded immediately, and the State Prosecutor’s Office has been asked to investigate the cause of the accident and assign responsibility.
Officials urged local municipalities to tighten safety checks and enforcement mechanisms during festivals to prevent future tragedies.
According to reports, the victim has been identified as 40-year-old Luicio N. He was in the balloon with two others when the fire ignited while it was still on the ground. Luicio helped the other passengers escape, but became entangled in a rope. As the balloon lifted, he was pulled into the sky before falling to his death.
The horrifying footage has gone viral across social media, with many expressing heartbreak and admiration for Luicio’s bravery.
“This man is a hero,” one user wrote. “His final act was one of courage and sacrifice. May he rest in peace,” another added.
Local media emphasized that Luicio’s actions likely saved lives, describing his final moments as a powerful example of selflessness and courage.
Hot air balloon accidents are rare, with a study from Gitnux noting a mortality rate of less than 0.01 percent per flight. On average, only 1 to 2 accidents occur per 100,000 flights, making hot air ballooning statistically safer than other forms of aviation.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine how the fire started and what safety lapses, if any, contributed to the deadly incident.
NEW: Man falls from the basket of a hot air balloon after it caught on fire in Zacatecas, Mexico.
The man was seen hanging onto a rope as the balloon continued to go higher in the sky.
The incident unfolded when the basket caught fire on the ground. In a final act of… pic.twitter.com/BHAY9Bn7xJ
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 13, 2025
Share your thoughts