Tourists experienced a harrowing moment when a colorful hot air balloon crashed near an ancient site in Mexico, leaving more than a dozen hurt and involving one arrest.

A red and yellow balloon operated by a tour company crash-landed near the famed Pyramid of the Moon in San Martin de las Piramides, while a separate balloon fire just days before at a festival in Zacatecas left one man dead, as the Daily Mail reports.

The balloon mishap occurred near a major archaeological attraction, when a sightseeing balloon encountered unexpected turbulence and was forced to descend suddenly. The balloon made an impact near Tuxpan Avenue, a road less than a quarter-mile from the Pyramid of the Moon, a well-known destination within Teotihuacan’s ancient city complex. The state’s civil protection agency determined the balloon was caught in an air pocket, forcing the operator to make an emergency landing.

As the balloon descended, it collided with a fence, and parts of the fabric could be seen tangled over electrical wires that border the road. According to a video taken from the scene, frightened bystanders watched as the balloon lost altitude. Local police and first responders arrived quickly and rushed twelve people suffering injuries to a nearby clinic for treatment.

The balloon, operated by a tour company offering flights over the pyramids of Teotihuacan, had been carrying several passengers when the forced landing occurred. The identities of those involved have not yet been released, but authorities have detained a 29-year-old man connected with the crash. The Attorney General’s Office for the State of Mexico has opened an active investigation.

Deadly fire erupts in similar accident

The incident comes on the heels of a far graver occurrence in the state of Zacatecas. On May 11, during the First Balloon Festival, a man was killed when the balloon he was in caught fire while still on the ground. The balloon had been preparing for liftoff when it unexpectedly ignited.

The victim, identified as 40-year-old Luicio N, was reportedly aboard the balloon with two others. As flames engulfed the basket, Luicio managed to help the other passengers escape to safety. In the chaos, however, he became entangled in a rope and was yanked into the air, clinging to the line as thick smoke mushroomed from the balloon.

Eyewitnesses captured distressing footage of Luicio suspended in midair before tragically falling. He succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward. The Secretary General of Zacatecas, Rodrigo Reyes Mugüerza, publicly confirmed his death, calling the event an “unfortunate incident.”

Ballooning death sparks safety questions

Though rare, hot air balloon accidents tend to attract public attention because of their dramatic nature. According to safety research from Gitnux, fatalities in hot air ballooning are infrequent, occurring in fewer than 0.01 percent of flights. Their data shows about one to two accidents per 100,000 trips, making these experiences statistically safer than many other forms of aviation travel.

Despite encouraging safety statistics, advocates and officials say incidents like the ones in Mexico underscore the importance of experienced operators, routine maintenance checks, and emergency preparedness in commercial sightseeing flights. Tour companies are required to follow regulated safety standards, but enforcement and oversight may vary depending on the location and type of event.

Investigators are now collecting data and questioning potential witnesses involved in the balloon crash near the pyramids to determine whether any violations or negligence occurred. The exact injuries sustained by the 12 passengers have not been disclosed, but authorities confirmed that all were treated at local medical facilities the day of the crash.

‘Forced landing’ confirmed by authorities

A statement from the state of Mexico’s civil protection agency confirmed that the balloon was forced to land due to encountering a sudden air pocket, reducing its lift. “The red and yellow balloon undertook a ‘forced landing’ in San Martin de las Piramides,” said the agency, which added that all twelve individuals injured were transported for medical care.

Pictures from the crash site show balloon fabric hanging over electric power lines and fencing near the road. The tour group had just finished a trip offering aerial views of the ancient pyramids when disaster struck during the descent. San Martin de las Piramides is considered a culturally rich area with frequent tourist activity, especially related to Teotihuacan’s pyramid complexes.

The detained 29-year-old man’s role in the flight or its maintenance has not yet been publicly clarified. Authorities have not disclosed if he was the balloon’s operator, part of the ground crew, or involved in organizing the trip. He remains in custody as legal proceedings move forward.

Lessons to learn

1. Always ask about safety certifications. When booking recreational rides like hot air balloons, ensure the company’s operators are licensed and that their equipment is inspected regularly. Request proof if possible. A legitimate operator should always prioritize passenger safety.

2. Understand emergency procedures before liftoff. Passengers should be briefed on how to act during unexpected situations, including hard landings or fire risks. Knowing what to do can be the difference between injury and survival, even if you're just along for the ride.

3. Even rare events deserve attention. Even though serious ballooning accidents are statistically uncommon, they can still occur. No matter how cautious anyone is, tragedies can happen to anyone, and it is never the victim’s fault.

Why this story matters

This story is a vivid reminder of how quickly ordinary tourist activities can turn dangerous.

As more people seek adventure travel experiences, it's essential that safety remains a top priority by both providers and regulators.

The dual incidents in Mexico highlight an urgent need for enforced standards and greater public awareness.