WILLIAMS, Ariz. — On Saturday, people attending the Independence Day Weekend Craft Fair in Williams expected to spend some time up in the air on a tethered hot air balloon ride.
However, the balloon got swept up in a gust of wind that turned into a dust devil and caused injuries to at least three people, according to the Williams Police Department.
Dwayne Osborne, the pilot, reported that initial wind speeds were around 7-8 miles per hour, but a "sudden thermal gust of air escalated winds to 40 to 50 miles per hour."
Three people were taken to the Flagstaff Regional Medical Center. Two people who were involved in the setup of the balloon operation and one adult who was nearby.
Injuries included a broken thumb and rope burns for an eight-year-old girl, back and neck injuries for a 15-year-old boy, and abrasions for an adult woman. The crash also damaged two parked vehicles and property.
The hot air balloon got swept away at about 11:48 a.m. on Saturday at the Independence Day Weekend Craft Fair, which was being held outside of the Ramada by Wyndham Williams/Grand Canyon Area, located at 950 N Grand Canyon Boulevard.
The balloon caused damage to several pop-up tents, a building and it ripped a light pole from its base.
None of the victims were identified.
This is a developing story and more details will be added as they are made available.
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