Hot air balloon company didn't call triple zero after crash, police reveal
The company operating a hot air balloon that crashed leaving nine people injured on Good Friday failed to call emergency services after the accident, police have revealed.
Up to 24 passengers were travelling in the Balloon Safaris balloon in the NSW Hunter Valley when it hit a tree during the landing procedure, police confirmed.
Nine passengers were hospitalised with injuries ranging from "suspected broken limbs to suspected spinal injuries", an Ambulance NSW spokesperson said.
The injured passengers are believed to be between the ages of seven and 38 years old.
At a press conference following the incident at Pokolbin, Inspector Rob Post from the Hunter Valley police said the company did not call triple zero.
"I am unsure of what their processes are in place. I think it would be common sense to make that call if you have injured people on the ground," Insp Post told reporters.
He also said the balloon involved in the incident was moved from the area before the investigation could begin.
"The balloon was gone by the time police had arrived, so it wasn't actually on scene," Insp Post said.
When asked if the move could make the investigation more difficult, Insp Post responded: "Yeah, it may."
A spokesperson for Balloon Safaris told Yahoo7 the details surrounding the incident have been grossly exaggerated, describing the hype around the situation as "absolute rubbish".
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He confirmed that no emergency services were called, describing the incident as a "firm landing".
The number of victims was also disputed, with the company saying only three people were transferred to hospital.
"One of them has already been discharged," he said.
But a spokesperson from John Hunter Hospital confirmed that nine patients were currently being treated - seven in a satisfactory condition at Cessnock Hospital and two in a stable condition at John Hunter Hospital.
NSW Ambulance Inspector Luke Wiseman confirmed there had been no triple zero call and reiterated the importance of doing so if injuries are apparent.
“To our knowledge, there was no calls to triple-0. We were notified through hospital processors, with that, they self presented by private transport," he said.
“If we have injuries such as these its best that we call the appropriate resources to the scene and undertake appropriate assessment.
“These assessments are conducted by our paramedics who can then actually provide the appropriate interventions and so the patients are conveyed safely to the facilities they need to be at.”
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau told Yahoo7 News they are yet to begin an investigation into the crash but the incident is currently being reviewed by directors.
A Balloon Safaris hot air balloon was involved in a rough crash landing that left four people injured in January.
Police said Balloon Safaris is cooperating with police and no criminal charges are being placed.
Any witnesses who saw the crash are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
