Hot Air Balloon Pilot Charged in Deadly Accident

The scenic flight was to view the ruins of Teotihuacan near Mexico City.

Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 01:22 PM ET

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The accident occurred during a sightseeing joy ride over the Teotihuacan ruin site—a popular tourist—area when the balloon’s basket caught fire. [Credit: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

A pilot was charged with homicide following a fatal hot air balloon accident in Mexico City that killed two passengers and injured a third when the balloon's basket caught fire.
The pilot, Victor Guzman, reportedly fled the scene and is now in pre-trial detention, as authorities investigate the fire's cause and the operating company's licensing and insurance.
The incident highlights concerns about potentially lax hot air balloon safety standards in Mexico compared to the U.S., where regulations were tightened after past fatal accidents.

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A pilot was charged with homicide following a deadly hot air balloon accident on April 1 in Mexico City that killed two passengers and injured another.

The accident occurred during a sightseeing joy ride over the Teotihuacan ruin site—a popular tourist—area when the balloon’s basket caught fire. Jose Nolasco, 50, and his wife Viridiana Becerril, 38, died in the fire, while their 13-year-old daughter, Regina Itzani, jumped more than 130 feet, suffering a broken arm and second-degree burns, according to the Associated Press.