Pahrump, NV (June 19, 2026) – One person was critically injured, and several others were hurt on Thursday morning, June 18, after a hot air balloon crash near Pahrump.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the crash happened around 7:00 a.m. with 10 people on board. The balloon made a hard landing in the Stewart Valley Dry Lake Bed, a remote desert area west of Pahrump.
The Nye County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 text message reporting the crash because cell service was limited in the area. Emergency units went to the remote site and found several passengers hurt.
Injuries included burns, head injuries, and other trauma, according to the report. One passenger remained in critical condition as of Thursday afternoon.
Officials said the occupants in the basket fell onto each other during the hard landing, and a gas actuator was bumped, causing a gas leak and ignition.
The balloon crash remains under review by the Federal Aviation Administration and local officials. We hope everyone injured receives the care they need and recovers fully.
Remote Balloon Crashes Can Create Serious Rescue Challenges
Hot-air balloon crashes can be dangerous because passengers have limited protection in the basket. A hard landing may cause people to fall, collide with each other, or strike parts of the basket.
Remote desert locations can make rescue efforts more difficult. Limited cell service, rough ground, heat, and distance from nearby roads may slow communication and access. Emergency units may need extra time to reach injured passengers and bring medical help into the area.
Fuel-related hazards can also add risk after a balloon comes down. If gas equipment is damaged or accidentally activated, fire or burn injuries may occur. After a serious balloon accident, reviews often focus on landing conditions, wind, equipment, passenger injuries, and how the basket moved before it came to a stop.
