A HOT AIR balloon carrying eleven people crashed and burst into flames near Carterton, New Zealand on Saturday.

All aboard – five couples and the pilot – were killed in what is the worst air crash in the country since 1979, reports the New Zealand Herald.

Police and witnesses have said that the balloon went up in flames after hitting power lines near the rural New Zealand town, a region well-known for hot air ballooning.

Two of those killed jumped out of the basket in desperation before the fiery balloon plummeted to farmland.

The only victim publicly identified so far is the pilot and balloon owner, Lance Hopping. He was safety officer for the Balloons over Wairarapa annual event, and was considered an experienced and safety-conscious pilot.

It is understood that the victims are from Wellington, about 150 kms south of the crash site.

New Zealand Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee expressed condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the government.

“We are deeply sorry to learn of this tragic accident and our hearts go out to those who are now mourning the loss of life,” Brownlee said.

New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an immediate inquiry.

The company which owns the balloon, Early Morning Balloons Ltd, released the following statement:

This tragedy will affect many families and our thoughts and sympathy lie with the family and friends of the passengers and pilot whose lives have been tragically ended.”

-Additional reporting by AP