Sixteen people killed when hot air balloon bursts into flames and crashes in Texas
Tragedy in Lockhart as balloon's basket catches fire and plunges into field leaving no survivors
AT LEAST 16 people have died after a hot air balloon burst into flames in America.
A fire is thought to have broken out in the basket section of the balloon mid-flight before it came down in a pasture in Lockhart, Texas at 7.40am local time, leaving no survivors.
While the victim's names are yet to be released, the balloon's pilot has been identified as Skip Nichols, of the company Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides.
Commentators say the tragedy may well be the deadliest hot air balloon crash in America after a similar tragedy left six dead in Colorado in 1993.
An official with the Texas Department of Public Safety told investigators think the balloon's basket may have hit power lines while in the air, causing it to catch fire.
The balloon was 26 minutes into an hour-long ride when it plummeted to Earth.
The field where the balloon was found has been cordoned off by officials as the investigation into the crash commences.
County Sheriff Daniel Law said in a statement: "The balloon was occupied and it does not appear at this time that there were any survivors of the crash.
"Investigators are determining the number and the identities of victims at this time."
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating at the scene, which is approximately 30 miles south of Austin.
Speaking to local media, an FAA spokesperson said the names of the victims will be released by local officials once relatives have been notified.
An eyewitness told how she heard a popping noise as the balloon plummeted to the ground.
She said: "At first I heard a whooshing sound and then a big ball of fire.
"I would say it (the fireball) got up as high as those power lines."
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has responded to the incident with a statement, calling it a "heartbreaking tragedy".
He said: "My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the Lockhart community.
"The investigation into the cause of this tragic accident will continue, and I ask all of Texas to join us in praying for those lost."
Tributes have begun pouring in for pilot Nichols.
Bianca Szal Storll wrote on Facebook: "Skip Nichols 24 years ago you took me on my first and only balloon ride.
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"Your passion for it was contagious as was your happy go lucky outlook on life. RIP my friend."
And William Nelson, a balloon pilot himself, wrote: "We lost a long time friend and balloon pilot Skip Nichols in this morning...
"My heart goes out to his mother and to the families of the passengers that were flying in the balloon."
Wendy Bartch posted: "Love you Skip. Forever... Rest in Peace my friend. You touched my heart."
Meanwhile, condolences have flooded in for the rest of the unnamed crash victims from local community groups.
Local outreach programme OperationBlueShield tweeted: "We send our condolences to all affected by the hot air balloon crash near Lockhart, TX."
Some events companies in Austin, Texas offer hot air balloon rides for up to 24 passengers at a time.
According to Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon's website, rides cost $399 per passenger for an hour-long trip.
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