Balloon That Crashed in Massachusetts Owned By Maine Man

A hot air balloon that a struck a power line and crashed in Clinton, Massachusetts Saturday evening injuring several people is registered to a Maine man.

Five of the six passengers suffered burns when the balloon clipped some power lines, sparking two fiery explosions. The pilot, 66-year-old Derald Young, was able to land the balloon in the crowded residential area after it apparently overshot its intended landing field at a nearby school.

The balloon, dubbed the Raspberry Ripple, is the second largest in New England. It is registered to Young, who operates Damn Yankee Balloons in Dixfield, Maine.  It was scheduled to participate in the Great Falls Balloon Festival in Lewiston-Auburn next month.   The balloon has also been featured in the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest in Presque Isle.

All the injured passengers have been treated and released from the hospital. The Federal Aviation Administration continues to investigate the crash.