Wife Seriously Injured in Hot Air Balloon Crash While Visiting Vegas, Husband Says: 'Fire and Blood Everywhere' - AOL

Published
June 23, 2026
Outcome
Injured
Location
Nevada
Stewart Valley dry lake west of Pahrump
View on map
Incident type
Crash, Fire

Summary

Car Crash Nevada Today in Nevada: A hot air balloon carrying 10 people operated by Vegas Balloon Rides crashed on June 18 in the Stewart Valley dry lake west of Pahrump, outside Las Vegas, in Nye County, Nevada. According to the Nye County Sheriff's Office and a preliminary FAA report, the balloon was landing when it was hit by a gust of wind, bounced on the ground, tipped onto its side, and a fire broke out after the gas actuator was bumped and ignited. One passenger suffered a severe head injury and multiple others sustained second- or third-degree burns and blunt force injuries; the passengers texted 911 due to no cell service and drove themselves to a hospital.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Elizabeth Kairit Passenger Injured
Brant Kairit Passenger Injured
Vegas Balloon Rides Unknown Unknown

Original reporting

Wife Seriously Injured in Hot Air Balloon Crash While Visiting Vegas, Husband Says: 'Fire and Blood Everywhere' - AOL

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