Balloon pilot‘s actions queried

A HOT-AIR balloon operator didn’t call triple zero after one of its balloons crashed in the NSW Hunter Valley, injuring 16 people, and it was packed up before authorities could inspect the scene.

The 16 people were treated at Cessnock Hospital for nonlife threatening injuries, including suspected broken bones and potential spinal injuries, following the Good Friday crash at Pokolbin, authorities say.

NSW Police have questioned why the operator, Balloon Safaris, didn’t call emergency services and why it quickly packed up the balloon after it struck trees and crashlanded on McDonalds Road about 8.30am.

“I think it would be common sense to make that call if you have injured people on the ground,” Inspector Robert Post said, adding the company was co-operating.

Asked if it should have been left where it was after it crashed, Insp Post said: “Some would argue yes.”

Two of the 16 injured passengers have been transferred to John Hunter Hospital for specialised care and remain in a stable condition. A further 12 have since been discharged from Cessnock Hospital, a hospital spokesman said.

The balloon had 24 passengers when it crashed.

Yesterday’s incident is the second involving Balloon Safaris this year. A flight made a hard landing near Cessnock in January that injured four people. The company blamed a quicker-than-expected shift in wind speed for that incident.

Balloon Safaris said yesterday’s flight started from Pokolbin and the pilot decided to land the craft after 30 minutes because “visibility decreased”.

The balloon hit trees before landing “firmly” and “the pilot deemed there was no need for emergency services to be called.”