Details are beginning to emerge in the hot air balloon crash that killed five people, four passengers plus the pilot this past weekend in Albuquerque. Among the victims included two respected Hispanic couples who were active in their state and local communities. John and Susan Montoya, 61 and 65 respectively, were educators visiting from the central part of New Mexico. Martin Martinez, 59 and his wife Mary, 62, were VIP’s in Albuquerque, both in education and law enforcement.
“Sgt. (Martin) Martinez will forever be remembered for his lifelong dedication to the police department and the public school system,” said APS Superintendent Scott Elder.
The accident occurred on Saturday morning, June 26th, when the gondola became detached from the balloon and crashed into power lines, catching fire and falling about 100 feet to the ground near Central Avenue and Unser Blvd. in a commercial area. Bystanders were unable to put out the blaze in time to save anyone in the group.
“We’re a tight knit community, so incidents like this affect us all,” said Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina. “Many of our first responders knew and worked with Sgt. Martinez.”
Albuquerque is known as the hot air balloon capital of the country, and the ride was given as a gift to Martinez and his wife from a friend for their wedding anniversary. The track record for these adventures has been very good, with only five accidents in the last forty years. However, nine fatalities resulted in those mishaps, plus the latest crash. In every case, power lines were the primary cause.
Other activities in New Mexico’s largest city include numerous outdoor activities, festivals, Native American culture and great dining options. And you’ll feel at home in Albuquerque with a population that is 49.4 percent Hispanic. While we’re all in the mood to travel during this post COVID summer, this is a great place for a short getaway vacation.
