Emergency services were called to Albert Street in Preston where a man’s body was located about 7.30am this morning.
Police were speaking to other occupants in the balloon and witnesses to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. The road was closed in both directions between Wood Street and Murray Road, and motorists were urged to avoid the area where possible.
The balloon landed safely at Yarra Bend Park, police said. According to media reports, counselling was being offered to the other passengers.
Australia's Today show reporter Izabella Staskowski told local radio it was a “really confronting, shocking scene in Preston this morning”, as Albert Street was a very suburban area with lots of homes.
The National Commercial Hot Air Ballooning Industry and the Australian Ballooning Federation issued a statement after the company BalloonMan was asked for comment.
In a statement, the groups gave condolences to the man’s loved ones.
“Hot air balloon baskets are designed with safety in mind, specifically to prevent passengers from falling out accidentally or from any accidental exit,” the statement read.
“Passengers and the pilot are understandably traumatised by this tragedy and the operator is arranging psychological support and counselling for all affected.”
The hot air balloon took off from CT Barling Reserve, Reservoir, at 7am and the man fell soon after.
The matter is also being investigated by WorkSafe Victoria, the Air Transport Safety Bureau and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
The death was not being treated as suspicious and police will prepare a report for the coroner.
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS
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