High winds in Lafayette force hot air balloon landing, 2 injured

Two hot air balloon passengers were injured after the pilot forced a hard landing in Lafayette Friday morning.

At 7:18 a.m. Friday, the Lafayette Police Department responded to reports of a hot air balloon down on the ground, said Deputy Chief Brian Rosipajla.

The balloon was seen launching from the Erie Hot Air Balloon Festival early Friday morning.

According to to Rosipajla, the pilot attempted to make a quick landing near 700 Avalon Avenue due to high winds.

The balloon made a rough landing and the basket, carrying four passengers and the pilot, tipped over, Rosipajla said. Two passengers — an adult male and a juvenile female — were injured and transported to the hospital.

The Federal Aviation Administration has taken over the investigation at this time, according to Rosipajla.

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