Couples' hot air balloon engagements end with dramatic rescue
A number of couples had engagements to remember after a hot air balloon they were travelling in crashed into a tree in Melbourne.
The balloon came down in Eltham North about 7.30am on Friday, the Country Fire Authority said.
The experienced pilot was coming in for a landing when he noticed a change in the wind.
He had to dodge powerlines and trees to bring the 10 passengers down safely.
While the basket touched down on the ground, the balloon was caught in a tree and had to be cut free by firefighters using chainsaws.
Emma and Brendan were one of three couples on board who got engaged in the balloon. One other couple was celebrating their anniversary.
“Brendan very quickly turned around and was half down on a knee squished in the basket,” Emma said.
“I was very surprised and it’s a beautiful ring.”
What brought the balloon down is still a mystery.
Thankfully, no-one on board was injured.
