A hot air balloon has caught fire and crashed in the US state of Texas, probably killing everyone on board, the local sheriff says.
Aviation officials said at least 16 people were on board the balloon which came down near Lockhart, south of the city of Austin.
Caldwell County sheriff Daniel Law said there did not appear to be survivors.
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) statement said the balloon came down in a field at about 07:40 (12:40 GMT).
The sheriff’s statement said that when emergency crews arrived, the basket of the hot air balloon was on fire.
FAA investigators are on their way. The National Transportation Safety Board will eventually take over the inquiry.
-bbc