At least two people were injured Saturday evening in a hot-air balloon crash near the intersection of Highway S and Soda Creek Road in the town of Cassel, according to the Marathon County Sheriff's Department.
The Marathon Fire Department and Rib Mountain Ambulance were dispatched to the scene at about 8 p.m., and at least two people, including the balloon operator, were transported for treatment of injuries, said Sheriff's Lt. Randy Albert. The Sheriff's Department had not released the names of those involved as of Friday night.
According to the five people in the basket of the balloon, a strong gust of wind caused the operator to lose control of the balloon, which lost altitude and crashed, Albert said. After hitting the ground, the basket was dragged about 60 feet, and one passenger was ejected and fell under the basket, Albert said.
Those transported by ambulance reportedly suffered back and neck injuries, Albert said.
The Sheriff's Department has been in contact with the Federal Aviation Administration, which likely will send a representative to investigate, Albert said.
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