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Chinese mother and son die in tragic hot air balloon accident
A mother and her young son tragically plunged to their deaths in a tethered hot air balloon mishap in China.
The incident took place during the busy Golden Week holidays at the Majiagou Eco-tourism Scenic Spot in Shandong province.
Their tragic final moments were caught on video as the helium filled balloon came loose from its tether and floated away.
It soared away and then a short time later plunged to the ground killing the 31-year old mother and her three-year old son instantly.
The ride should lift only about 150 feet above the ground anchored by the tethers.
Five people have been detained by police in connection with the accident, The Beijing News reported.
A member of the Majiagou management team said the ride was unauthorised.
"That balloon was not ours, but it happened on our land. Police have determined that this is a criminal case."
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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