Man flung to death after rope tethering hot air balloon snaps at Rajasthan event

After completing two rounds, the trials for the third round of the hot air balloon, being operated by a private agency, were on around 7 am. The balloon operator was among those inside the basket when the incident happened.

The balloon was tethered by three cables, one of which was held by Vasudev Khatri, about 40 years old and a native of Kota. The balloon suddenly lifted off, and Khatri, who was holding one of the cables, was hurled over 60 feet in the air.

He was rushed to the district hospital, where the doctors declared him dead. His body was sent for a postmortem, and an investigation is underway.

Baran district administration officials and police were present on the spot at the time of the incident. Following the tragedy, the district administration cancelled the subsequent programmes for the day. Officials said that Vasudev was experienced and had been doing this for about two decades.

Kotwali police station officials said that Khatri’s father, Vadhumal, has lodged an FIR at the police station, alleging death by negligence against the balloon operator.