Tragedy Strikes Balloon Festival in Zacatecas, Mexico

 A tragic accident at a hot air balloon festival in Zacatecas, Mexico, has left one person dead and two others injured. The incident occurred on Sunday morning during the First Balloon Festival, part of the 2025 Enrique Estrada Fair.

According to state officials, a hot air balloon caught fire shortly after takeoff in the municipality of Enrique Estrada. Three individuals were on board when the flames erupted in the basket around 8 a.m. While two passengers managed to escape with first-degree burns, the third—who reportedly helped the others to safety—became entangled in a rope and was lifted into the air. Eyewitness videos on social media captured the harrowing moment he clung to the burning balloon before tragically falling to his death.

Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the event. The Zacatecas State Prosecutor’s Office confirmed they are treating the case as one of manslaughter, injury, and abandonment. Two individuals identified as event organizers allegedly fled the scene but were later tracked down by state police, who also seized a vehicle linked to the incident.

Rodrigo Reyes Mugüerza, Secretary General of the Zacatecas government, described the event as a “regrettable incident” and emphasized that local authorities acted swiftly to assist the victims. He called for greater enforcement of safety protocols at public events and stated that the Prosecutor’s Office has been tasked with uncovering the facts and determining accountability.

The Municipal Government of Enrique Estrada noted that the balloons were provided by a company specializing in aerial services and that standard safety protocols were in place. In a public statement, the municipality expressed condolences to the family of the deceased.