Four people tragically lost their lives in a hot air balloon crash in Eloy, Arizona, on Sunday morning, according to the Eloy Police Department. The incident occurred at around 7:50 a.m. local time in a desert area near Sunshine Boulevard and Hannah Road. One person was critically injured in the crash, and their condition remains critical. Eloy, a small town with a population of just over 15,000, is located approximately 50 miles northwest of Tucson and around 65 miles southeast of Phoenix.

The cause of the crash is still unknown, and investigations are being carried out by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The NTSB has identified the downed balloon as a Cameron Balloons A160 aircraft. Authorities are examining the wreckage to determine the cause of the incident. The Eloy Police Department has not yet released the names of the victims, as they are in the process of notifying their families. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

This devastating crash has left the community in shock. The Eloy Police Department expressed its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those involved in the incident. Eloy, known as "the skydiving capital of the world," is home to two parachute manufacturers and the world's largest skydive drop zone, Skydive Arizona, which is located just five miles from the crash site.

This is not the first hot air balloon accident in recent years. In an incident earlier this year near Mexico City, two people died and a girl was injured when a hot air balloon caught fire. Additionally, in 2021, five people lost their lives when a hot air balloon crashed into power lines in Albuquerque, New Mexico. These incidents highlight the importance of thorough investigations and safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As the investigation continues, the Eloy community is coming together to support each other during this difficult time. The Eloy Police Department is urging the public to provide any information that may assist in the investigation. The town's residents are devastated by the loss of life and are hoping for answers regarding the cause of the crash.