A hot air balloon has crashed to the ground after striking power lines, injuring the two men on board. The accident happened at the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Wednesday. The pilot, 59-year-old Mark Kilgore, was attempting to land the balloon when it collided with the live cables.
Both members of the crew were taken to hospital for burns
More than 500 balloons take part in the yearly event in New Mexico, with hundreds of gondolas lifting off at the same time. Kilgore and his crew chief Daniel Lovato were taken to a nearby hospital. Lovato was taken to surgery for burns to his face; Kilgore was released. The Fiesta, which has been running for more than 40 years, boasts balloon enthusiasts from across the US.
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Hot air balloons inflate during the mass ascension at the 40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011. Fiesta organizers said 550 balloons and 600 pilots from around the world are registered for this year's annual event. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan) (credit:AP)
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Thousands of spectators mingle among inflating hot air balloons at the 40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011. Fiesta organizers said 550 balloons and 600 pilots from around the world are registered for this year's annual event. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan) (credit:AP)
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One of dozens of special shaped hot air balloons inflates at the 40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011. Fiesta organizers said 550 balloons and 600 pilots from around the world are registered for this year's annual event. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan) (credit:AP)
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Hot air balloons lift off at the 40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011. Fiesta organizers said 550 balloons and 600 pilots from around the world are registered for this year's annual event. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan) (credit:AP)
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Hot air balloons lift off at the 40th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011. Fiesta organizers said 550 balloons and 600 pilots from around the world are registered for this year's annual event. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan) (credit:AP)
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Dozens of special shaped hot air balloons inflate during the 40th annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011. Gusty conditions prevented the balloons from lifting off Thursday morning. The nine-day fiesta wraps up Sunday. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan) (credit:AP)
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Thousands of spectators watch as hot air balloons inflate during the 40th annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011. The nine-day fiesta wraps up Sunday. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan) (credit:AP)
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This Oct. 2, 2011 image shows the special shape Spider Pig hot air balloon floating over Albuquerque, N.M., during the annual International Balloon Fiesta. The balloon broke loose from its ropes on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at a balloon festival in Carefree, Ariz., and caught fire. The pilot landed the balloon safely. No one was injured. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan) (credit:AP)
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In this Oct. 8, 2011 photo, hot air balloons are shown at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta before take off. The 41st annual event is set to begin Saturday and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the country and the global. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras) (credit:AP)
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In this Oct. 8, 2011 photo, the "Carousel" hot air balloon is shown at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The 41st annual event is set to begin Saturday and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the country and the global. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras) (credit:AP)
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In this Oct. 8, 2011 photo, "Joey Little Bee" and "Lilly Little Bee" hot air balloons are shown at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The 41st annual event is set to begin Saturday and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the country and the global. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras) (credit:AP)
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In this Oct. 8, 2011 photo, hot air balloons are shown at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta before take off. The 41st annual event is set to begin Saturday and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the country and the global. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras) (credit:AP)
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Photo: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and photographer Paul de Berjeois
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Photo: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and photographer Paul de Berjeois
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Photo: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and photographer Paul de Berjeois
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Photo: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and photographer Paul de Berjeois
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