2 students die in balloon accident in central Italy

Two students died in central Italy after the hot-air balloon they were flying aboard ran into trouble, local media reported on Thursday.

Giuseppe Nicola Lasaponara, 17, and Davide Belgrano, 20, both students at a local aeronautics institute, were found dead on the ground at a few meters distance from each other, according to la Repubblica newspaper.

The accident happened during the Matera Balloon Festival, though the students' hot-air balloon was reported to be a touristic initiative not directly connected to the festival.

According to first investigations, the two boys threw themselves out of the balloon basket, after becoming frightened when it started to swing and lose altitude.

Police sources quoted by Rai State television said the hot-air balloon collided with overhead electricity cables and started catching fire. The balloon's pilot was reportedly burnt in the accident.

The Matera Balloon Festival, which this year was due to take place on Oct. 8-11 with sporting events, arts and culture shows and games, was cancelled after the accident.

"Following the immense tragedy of this morning, the Matera Balloon Festival has been cancelled. The organization, pilots and participants at this time of big loss for the city of Matera join the pain of the entire community," a statement published on the festival's website read.

Matera Mayor Raffaello De Ruggieri declared a day of mourning. "This tragedy is unacceptable as it happened in a moment that should have been of education and joy," he told the local press.

"Before talking about possible negligence, I can just say this was an incredible fatalism that destroyed two young lives," De Ruggieri added.

Later on Thursday, local authorities reportedly opened an investigation to ascertain responsibilities. Endit