3 injured in Pa. hot air balloon accident

The Associated Press

NEW HOLLAND, Pa. — A deflating hot air balloon struck overhead electrical wires after landing in a Pennsylvania field, shocking three people including one who was given CPR by a bystander, authorities said Sunday.

Two other people on board were unresponsive when emergency responders arrived at the scene Saturday evening, New Holland police Sgt. Mark Willwerth told The Associated Press.

"All three victims suffered burn injuries from electric shock," Willwerth said.

Passenger Melyndia Davis, 48, of Sykesville, Maryland, was in cardiac arrest when emergency responders arrived and being attended to by a bystander. She was listed in critical but stable condition at a trauma center outside Philadelphia, Willwerth said.

Another passenger, Robert Spencer, 53, of Elldersburg, Maryland, and pilot Robert Fisher, 55, of Honey Brook, were listed in stable condition, Willwerth said.

The balloon appeared to have touched down safely at a farm in Earl Township in Lancaster County, about 50 miles west of Philadelphia, but the top blew over onto the power lines as it deflated, Willwerth said.

Willwerth said the balloon was operated by New Horizon Balloon Team. The organization did not immediately return a call seeking comment Sunday.

The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate.