Man saves two from burning hot air balloon at Mexican festival, then falls to death

A man tragically fell to his death during the First Balloon Festival in Zacatecas, Mexico, after rescuing two passengers from a hot air balloon that caught fire, according to local officials.The victim, identified only as 40-year-old Luicio N, was participating in the Enrique Estrada 2025 Fair when the balloon caught fire while still on the ground. According to Riviera Maya News, Luicio helped two passengers escape the burning basket but became entangled in a rope attached to the balloon, which lifted off with him dangling beneath it.Horrifying footage captured the balloon rising as flames engulfed its lower half, with thick black smoke trailing behind. As the balloon floated higher, Luicio was seen clinging to a rope below the burning basket before finally falling to his death.Rodrigo Reyes Mugüerza, secretary general of Zacatecas, confirmed the death and called it “an unfortunate incident.” He added in a social media statement, “Immediately, authorities rushed to the scene to provide care and support to the affected people.” Two injured passengers were treated for first-degree burns at a local hospital, according to the New York Post.Authorities are now investigating the accident. “We have asked the state attorney general’s office to conduct the corresponding investigations to clarify the facts and determine responsibility,” Mugüerza said. He urged municipal authorities to “strengthen their verification mechanisms to avoid these types of risks during their activities and festivities.”Witnesses online praised Luicio for his heroic actions. “His final act was one of courage and sacrifice. May he rest in peace,” wrote one commenter, while another added, “Luicio’s final act of selflessness... speaks volumes about the strength of the human spirit”.Though dramatic, fatal hot air balloon accidents are statistically rare. A study cited by Daily Mail from Gitnux notes a mortality rate of less than 0.01% per flight, with only 1–2 accidents per 100,000 journeys.