On Monday morning, a dramatic passenger balloon accident occurred in the centre of Zielona Góra. The balloon, owned by the Lubusz Land Aero Club (Aeroklub Ziemi Lubuskiej), snagged on a residential block more than 30 metres tall on Chrobrego Street near the railway station, and then fell onto the street.
Three women were in the basket. At the moment of the collision, the 28-year-old female pilot was thrown from the basket and fell onto the roof of the building. Despite immediate rescue efforts by the fire brigade and medical teams, and prolonged resuscitation, her life could not be saved. The woman died at the scene.
The two remaining passengers stayed in the basket. After the balloon landed, they climbed out under their own power and were taken to hospital. Their condition is stable and their lives are not in danger.
All emergency services immediately arrived at the scene: the police, the prosecutor’s office, the fire brigade, and the mayor of Zielona Góra, Marcin Pabierowski. The street has been secured and traffic in the area is restricted. The investigation is being led by the prosecutor’s office and the State Commission for the Investigation of Aviation Accidents (Państwowa Komisja Badania Wypadków Lotniczych, PKBWL). The causes of the accident are not yet known; among other things, weather conditions, the technical condition of the balloon and the course of the flight are being examined.
The incident was filmed by witnesses and quickly spread across social media, causing great concern among residents. Balloon flights are a popular tourist attraction, but tragic incidents like this one in an urban area highlight how important it is to follow safety procedures.
The city authorities have pledged support for the family of the deceased pilot. We will keep you updated on the progress of the investigation.
The deceased pilot was Jaogda Gancarek, the Aeroklub Ziemi Lubuskiej announced on its Instagram profile.
It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic death of our colleague, pilot of the Lubusz Land Aero Club, Jagoda Gancarek.
Jagoda pursued her passions as an aeroplane instructor. She also flew as a pilot of firefighting aircraft. She had extensive flying experience and shared it with others.
Last year, Jagoda won the title of Polish Women’s Champion at the XI Women’s Balloon Championships in Nałęczów. We will remember her for her passion and kindness, and above all for her broad smile and love of flying. Her commitment and enthusiasm for aviation also drove our activities.Our thoughts are with her family, friends and all members of the Lubusz Land Aero Club.
We extend our deepest condolences. 🖤
