The deadliest hot air balloon crash in US history which killed all 16 people onboard, likely hit electrical power lines before crashing, investigators at the National Transportation Board said.
The sunrise pleasure flight came down shortly after taking off near the town of Lockhart, Texas.
Witnesses reported seeing a ‘fireball’ but NTSB official Robert Sumwalt said it is still unclear whether it was a collision with power lines that sparked the fire.
"We’re looking at operation of balloon, pilot, and company that operated the balloon," Sumwalt said.
NTSB officials identified the balloon operator as Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides.
The pilot was medically certified to fly hot air balloons by the Federal Aviation Authority.
In 2014 the NTSB asked the FAA to strengthen commercial ballooning regulations, warning of a ‘potential for a high number of fatalities in a single air tour balloon accident,’ but this was rejected by the FAA.
In a similar incident, three people died in May 2014 in Virginia when a hot air balloon hit power lines and crashed.
The NTSB said it has investigated 60 accidents in the last five years, with five accidents involving fatalities.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the Lockhart community. The investigation into the cause of this tragic accident will continue, and I ask all of Texas to join us in praying for those lost," governor Greg Abbott said in a statement.
