WILMINGTON: 17 people have lucky escape after hot air balloon crash lands (From News Shopper)

WILMINGTON: 17 people have lucky escape after hot air balloon crash lands

12:43pm Friday 10th July 2009

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AS golf course manager Rob Holland started work at 6am, he got a bit of a shock when he saw a hot air balloon 20 feet above his head.

The balloon had run out of gas on a trip from London’s Hyde Park and crash landed at Birchwood Park Golf Centre in Wilmington, with part of it getting caught in a tree.

Its 16 passengers and driver were unscathed having come close to smashing into the club house at the course in Birchwood Road.

They had started on their journey across the capital at 5am and were collected by vehicles from the balloon company that were following the flight.

Father-of-three Mr Holland said: “The balloon was coming in for a very sharp crash landing.

“We thought he was going to hit the driving range.

“We were a bit anxious at the time, it was a big basket that landed on the ground.

“It turned over and we thought there’s bound to be someone hurt.”

The 42-year-old, who lives in Lynden Way, Swanley, added: “It was a shock.

“We had to climb up the tree and cut a branch down to retrieve the balloon.

“As it turned out there wasn’t much damage.”

Did you witness anything? Leave your comments below or call the newsroom on 01689 885711.

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