A man has died after falling from a hot air balloon into a residential area.
The balloon took off from Australia’s second-largest city, Melbourne, on Monday morning.
The man was in the air for about 30 minutes before he fell from the basket at 7.30am.
His body was found in Albert Street, a suburban area of the city, and state police were forced to close the area off to traffic.
It is understood he fell from an elevation of 460m and no warning was given to the pilot, according to the Herald Sun.
The balloon landed safely many miles from where the man’s body was found.
The death is not being treated as suspicious and police officers will now speak with the balloon’s pilot, witnesses. and other occupants.
The National Commercial Hot-Air Ballooning Industry and the Australian Ballooning Federation issued a statement which says: ‘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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