Hot Air Balloon Collides With Vacant Apartment Complex In Marana, Arizona; Passengers Sustained Minor Injuries

A hot air balloon carrying a pilot and six passengers collided with a vacant apartment building under construction in Marana, Arizona, early Sunday morning near Tangerine Farms Road and Clark Farms Boulevard. The balloon struck the building before safely landing in a nearby field, resulting in only minor injuries to those on board, and no hospitalizations were necessary. Marana Police confirmed that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are investigating the incident. Hot air balloon activity is common in Arizona during cooler weather, though previous accidents, including a fatal crash in Eloy earlier in 2024, highlight ongoing safety concerns. Authorities have not released further details regarding the cause of this recent crash. The incident underscores the importance of continued oversight and safety measures in hot air balloon operations in the region.