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 hot air balloon pilot in Mexico City was charged with homicide after an accident that killed two passengers and severely injured their daughter, with reports indicating the pilot fled the scene.
The incident occurred during a sightseeing ride over the Teotihuacan ruins when the balloon's basket caught fire, though the cause of the fire is still undetermined.
Authorities are investigating the operating company's licensing and insurance, raising concerns about potentially lax safety standards in Mexico compared to other countries.
While hot air balloon accidents are statistically rare, this event highlights ongoing concerns about pilot qualifications and regulatory oversight, referencing past deadly incidents and subsequent calls for stricter medical standards for pilots.

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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.