16 Feared Dead after Hot Air Balloon Caught Fire and Crashed in Texas

Police cars block access to the site where a hot air balloon crashed early Saturday, July 30, 2016, near Lockhart, Texas.

Sixteen people have died after a large hot air balloon caught fire this morning and crashed in a pasture near Lockhart, Texas, ABC News reports.

According to Caldwell County Sheriff Daniel Law: “The balloon was occupied and it does not appear at this time that there were any survivors of the crash. Investigators are determining the number and the identities of victims at this time.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbot described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the Lockhart community,” he said.

According to Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) spokesperson, Lynn Lunsford the names of the victims have not yet been released.

“The FAA and NTSB do not release the names of pilots or passengers. Names will be released by local officials after relatives have been notified.”

Photo Credit: Marcus Officer | @marcusonfox7