Balloon Crash Victims Jumped To Their Deaths

Eyewitnesses have described the horrifying moment a hot air balloon went down in Virginia, killing all three of its passengers.

Witness Carrie Bradley told WWBT TV she saw two of the victims jumping from the balloon after it burst into flames.

She said one could be heard screaming: "Help me, help me, sweet Jesus, help. I'm going to die. Oh my God, I'm going to die."

She described it as "the most horrific thing I have ever witnessed."

Police say they believe the balloon hit a live power line as it was coming in to land shortly before 8 pm local time on Friday. It had been taking part in Virginia's Mid-Atlantic Balloon festival.

Two bodies were recovered just under a mile apart on Saturday, but have not yet been identified.

Natalie Lewis was one of three passengers on board the balloon

More than 100 people have been involved in the search for the third victim. They are also hoping to recover any remnants of the basket.

The University of Richmond has confirmed that two of the victims were staff members. It named them as associate head coach Ginny Doyle, 44, and director of basketball operations Natalie Lewis, 24.

Ms Doyle tweeted several times in the hours ahead of the accident. One tweet read: "Getting ready to go up in a hot air balloon today. Tried it at 6:30am but was too foggy."

State police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said 13 hot air balloons were involved in Friday's event. Two of the balloons landed safely before the third reportedly hit the power line.

Witnesses reported hearing an explosion (Pic: Carrie Hager Bradley)

Ms Geller said the pilot attempted to retain control of the balloon and put out the fire. She confirmed that two passengers were seen either jumping or falling from the gondola.

Witnesses also reported hearing an explosion before the gondola and the balloon separated.

The National Transportation Safety Board said a preliminary report into the cause of the crash would be released in 10 days.

The balloon festival, scheduled to continue into the weekend, was cancelled.

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