Pilot dies after fall from hot-air balloon in Vermont

The pilot of a hot-air balloon that was carrying a total of five people is dead after becoming entangled in gear underneath the basket and then falling to the ground in Bradford, Vermont State Police said. Authorities identified the victim as Brian Boland, 72, of Post Mills, Vermont.

The balloon took off from the Post Mills airport Thursday afternoon. Some time later the balloon touched down in a field and one passenger fell out, but was unhurt. At that point, the pilot became entangled in gear affixed to the balloon as it re-ascended. He eventually fell to the ground in a field where he was pronounced dead.