Balloon Catches Fire During the Enrique Estrada Fair in Mexico

A hot air balloon festival, held as part of the 2025 Enrique Estrada Fair in Mexico, took a tragic turn when one of the participating aircraft caught fire. Three were on board at the time, two of whom sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The last was killed in the accident.

"I regret to inform you that, during the First Balloon Festival, part of the Enrique Estrada 2025 Fair, organized by the city council of this municipality, a person lost their life after an unfortunate incident while aboard a hot air balloon,” stated Rodrigo Reyes Muguerza, the Secretary General of Government in Zacatecas.

The First Hot Air Balloon Festival was held on Sunday, May 11, in the Enrique Estrada municipality of Zacatecas in Mexico. At around 7:30 am, participants were screened and began setting up their balloons for takeoff. Three aircraft kicked off the event by conducting controlled ascents and descents while tied to the ground.

After three sets of lift-offs, one of the hot air balloons caught fire. Two of its tie-downs tore, causing two of the three occupants to ditch the aircraft at a low altitude. The balloon began an uncontrolled ascent and reached an altitude of more than 600 feet before the envelope succumbed to the flames.

Footage of the accident shows the last occupant hanging from the side of the balloon as it descended. He fell from an unsurvivable height and was declared dead at the scene.

"Authorities immediately responded to the scene to provide care and support to those affected… We urge all municipal authorities to strengthen their verification mechanisms to avoid these types of risks during their activities and festivities," Reyes Muguerza continued.

Representatives of the company responsible for the other hot air balloons allegedly abandoned their fleet after the accident, leaving authorities to secure them. The State Attorney General’s office will be heading the investigation.

FMI: www.zacatecas.gob.mx