The hot air balloon company responsible for a crash landing near Queenstown on Friday has released details of how the accident occurred.
A spokesperson for Sunrise Balloons said on Friday afternoon the balloon was carrying experienced pilot Carrick McLellan and 10 passengers when it came into land on a private airstrip in Morven Ferry Rd.
"On approach, the balloon was caught by a sudden wind gust and the basket containing passengers impacted with a low bank."
The balloon basket came to rest near a property driveway, and some of the fabric from the balloon was draped over a powerline leading to the house.
Two people were seriously injured in the crash and airlifted to Dunedin Hospital. McLellan was moderately injured and treated at the nearby Lakes District Hospital, with the remaining passengers treated for minor injuries.
Sunrise Balloons owner and chief pilot Hugh McLellan said the company is "deeply upset" about the incident and the injuries sustained to their staff and guests.
"We are fully supporting our staff and guests at this difficult time, and we wish all involved a full and speedy recovery."
The company has temporarily suspended its flights and is cooperating with police, civil aviation, and the transport accident investigation commission.
It is also launching an internal investigation.
