Three People Injured In Lowell Hot Air Balloon Accident

Personal Injury - June 5, 2024

Multiple People Traveling In Hot Air Balloon Injured In Electrocution Accident In Rural Lowell Within Southern Lake County

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (June 5, 2024) – Three people riding in a hot air balloon were injured after being electrocuted by a power line in a rural part of Lake County.

Indiana officials are saying that the collision took place around 6:57 p.m. on Sunday. Three people were traveling in the hot air balloon when it passed near a set of power lines.

Initial reports suggest the hot air balloon never made physical contact with the power lines, but it was close enough to cause the occupants to receive an electric shock. Shortly after being shocked, the hot air balloon crashed and landed in a field.

A total of three people were injured. Two passengers were airlifted to Chicago-area hospitals in critical condition. The pilot was taken in an ambulance to a local hospital.

A full investigation into the hot air balloon crash remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Hot Air Balloon Accidents

Hot air balloon accidents are relatively rare, but they often leave occupants with serious injuries. According to one study in Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance, “During the 12-yr period, 78 hot-air balloon tours crashed, involving 518 occupants. There were 91 serious injuries and 5 fatalities; 83% of crashes resulted in one or more serious or fatal outcomes. Of the serious injuries characterized, 56% were lower extremity fractures.” Power lines are a major hazard for all forms of aircraft. Hot air balloon companies should take a number of steps in order to avoid collisions with power lines.

• Pre-Flight Planning: Companies should plan flight paths that avoid known power lines. They should use up-to-date maps and information on power line locations.
• Pilot Training: Pilots should be thoroughly trained in navigation and other emergency procedures.
• Effective Communication: Pilots should maintain constant communication with ground crew in order to monitor the balloon’s position and surrounding hazards.
• Adherence to Regulations: Companies should follow all local, state, and federal regulations regarding operating hot air balloons.

Companies that operate hot air balloons have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid accidents. This includes staying far away from power lines. It is well understood that power lines can spark and electrocute nearby aircraft. When a hot air balloon operator fails to stay a safe distance from power lines, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Victims of electrocution accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries.

• Victims of electrocutions may suffer electrical and thermal burns.
• Victims of electrocutions may experience cardiac arrest and arrhythmias.
• Victims of electrocutions may have extensive nerve damage, leading to paralysis.
• Victims of electrocutions may suffer brain injuries resulting in serious cognitive deficits.

Many of the injuries associated with hot air balloon accidents may not be immediately obvious. This is why it is so important for accident victims to seek medical support as early as possible. It is also important that any hot air balloon accident be thoroughly investigated. Any person who is injured in such an accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.

Investigating Lake County Electrocution Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to all of the people injured in this Lake County hot air balloon accident. It is our hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. This was a preventable accident that should have never taken place. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong for the sake of the victims.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a hot air balloon accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.