The following story has been updated. The updated information has been incorporated into the original story.
Three people sustained life-threatening injuries Wednesday night in Burlington after a hot air balloon was involved in a crash with a train.
Hot air balloon strikes train
A press release from the Burlington Police Department confirmed at 8:15 p.m. that a hot air balloon struck a northbound Canadian National Train near the 400 block of Calumet Street. The balloon appeared to be in distress, according to witnesses who observed the hot air balloon in the moments before the accident.
Two of the injured parties were transported by Flight for Life to Froedtert Hospital, and the third was taken there by ambulance.
Rescue personnel from Burlington, Waterford, Kansasville, and Rochester responded to the scene.
What caused the accident is under investigation. Burlington police are being assisted by the National Traffic Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, Canadian National, and Wisconsin State Patrol.
Anyone with information about the accident is encouraged to call the Burlington Police Department’s Detective Bureau at 262-342-1104 or contact them via email at rjones@burlington-wi.gov, referencing report number 22-5105.
Original Story
Hot air balloon hit by train in Burlington
Three people were injured Wednesday night in Burlington after a hot air balloon was struck by a train.
The Racine County Communications Center confirmed the accident, and FOX 6 News is reporting that two Flight for Life helicopters were dispatched to the scene behind Love, Inc. in the 400 block of Calumet Street.
Racine County Eye will update this story as details become available.
Originally published June 1, 2022, 9:49 p.m.
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