VIDEOA commercial balloon flight got off to a tumultuous start on Monday morning at Lake Como in northern Italy. The hot-air balloon crashed into a tree shortly after takeoff, knocking over a marble statue of a hundred-year-old temple. No one was injured. It is a hot air balloon that originally comes from the Netherlands, the former owner confirms to this site.
Sebastian Quekel
Latest update:
12:38
The incident happened around 8:30 a.m. Monday morning near the touristy Lake Como. The Italian pilot lost control of the aircraft due to strong gusts of wind. “We are taking measures to prevent further damage and to protect the underlying rooms of the temple,” an alderman told local media. “We entrust the settlement of the incident to a restorer who specializes in stone material.”
There has been astonishment within the city council that the hot air balloon was allowed to take off so close to the temple. “I understand that similar ascents are not allowed near populated centers or at least in areas of historical and artistic interest. I would like to know how it is possible that a hot air balloon could take off there,” the alderman wonders.
Hot air balloon sold
The historic Tempio Voltiano Museum had been closed since 2014 and was due to reopen shortly. The opening will probably take longer due to the incident. In addition to the destroyed column, some roof tiles and an underlying staircase were badly damaged. The local police of Como has prepared a factual report and sent it to the Italian National Agency for Flight Safety, which will further investigate the circumstances of the incident.
The hot air balloon is still registered in the Dutch Aircraft Register of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The aircraft was sold about six months ago to an Italian entrepreneur, who uses it for tourist trips, among other things.
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