I must agree with frog prince, it's an experience second to none.

Whilst a tragedy it undeniably is . . . this kind of accident is VERY rare.

Eleven people on board - not excessive, but it's directly related to the volume of the balloon. Obviously the larger it is, the heavier and the more fuel (gas bottles) pro-rata need to be carried in addition to the pax.

Aircraft, cars, trains crash . . . shit happens sometimes, but we still regularly do all those things.

Please, if you're thinking of a balloon flight, don't let this accident put you off - the experience is almost magical.