Man falls to his death from hot air balloon and lands in garden

A man has tragically lost his life after leaping from a hot air balloon and plummeting into a residential garden below in the Netherlands.

The victim fell from the skies above the Dutch town of Zundert – renowned as the birthplace of legendary artist Vincent van Gogh – on Saturday evening.

Local media reported that multiple ambulances, the fire brigade, local police, and an air ambulance were all dispatched to the scene following reports from a balloonist in the vicinity at the time, reports the Irish Mirror.

Once the fall had been reported, search teams combed the area surrounding the Sporthal Onder de Mast before the body was discovered in a garden close to the local sports hall, according to the NL Times.

In a statement posted on Facebook regarding the incident, local mayor Joyce Vermue said: “This evening, an intrusive incident took place in which someone jumped out of a hot air balloon above Zundert.”

“The person ended up in a garden and died. My thoughts and sympathies go out first and foremost to the family and the balloon bearer.

“I can imagine many residents saw the incident take place. The weather is nice, many people are outside and also when a balloon passes over our village we watch.

“We are organizing a moment of meeting on Sunday at the end of the afternoon for those who need it. We will get back to you later with more information.”

In a further statement issued the following day, Joyce confirmed that support would be made available to all those affected by the distressing incident.

She said: “Saturday evening, 30th of May, a fatal incident took place in which a person jumped from a hot air balloon above Zundert. The person ended up in a garden and died.

“Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the bereaved, the balloon operator, fellow passengers. We also realize very well that many people have seen or heard about this. Do you want to talk about this or just be casually with others?

“Come to the get together at the town hall this afternoon Here you can share your story, listen to others and find support. I will be joining this, along with first responders. These are people from Victim Help Netherlands, social work and the GGD.”

Le Parisien has reported that officers have now launched an investigation into the incident.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.