Video Captures Man Dangling from Burning Hot Air Balloon before Falling to his Death after Saving Two Passengers (video)

Man falls from the basket of a hot air balloon after it caught on fire in Zacatecas, Mexico.

A 40-year-old man tragically fell to his death after saving two lives during a horrific hot air balloon accident at a festival in Zacatecas, Mexico. The incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. on Sunday during the First Balloon Festival, part of the Enrique Estrada 2025 Fair, approximately 30 kilometers from the city of Zacatecas.

The man, identified by authorities only as Luicio N., was one of three passengers onboard a hot air balloon when it suddenly caught fire while still on the ground. As flames erupted in the basket, Luicio acted swiftly and heroically, helping the two other passengers escape the burning gondola. However, as the balloon lifted off, Luicio became entangled in one of its ropes and was carried into the sky.

Dramatic footage captured the harrowing scene, showing Luicio dangling from the balloon as thick smoke billowed from the basket. Initially seen ascending into an overcast sky, the balloon later appeared gliding under clear skies before Luicio, visible only as a small black silhouette from the ground, lost his grip and plummeted to his death.

The man was seen hanging onto a rope as the balloon continued to go higher in the sky

Emergency services arrived at the scene and recovered Luicio’s body, while the two rescued passengers were transported to a nearby hospital and treated for first-degree burns.

Rodrigo Reyes Mugüerza, Secretary General of the Zacatecas government, confirmed the fatality and expressed condolences, saying authorities responded immediately to the scene. “I regret to inform you that during the First Balloon Festival, part of the Enrique Estrada 2025 Fair organized by the city council of this municipality, a person lost their life after an unfortunate incident while aboard a hot air balloon,” Reyes Mugüerza stated.

The man, who sadly fell to his death, was identified as 40-year-old Luicio "N," according to police

He added that the State Attorney General’s Office has been asked to conduct a full investigation to determine the cause of the accident and identify any potential negligence. Local officials are also being urged to enhance safety checks and verification procedures for future public events to prevent similar tragedies.

The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement and safety officials examining how the balloon caught fire and why it broke free from its tether while on the ground.

Luicio’s courageous actions are being hailed as heroic across the region, as he gave his life to save others.

Man seen dangling from the fiery balloon