The municipality of Zundert will hold a meeting on Sunday afternoon after the major event on Saturday evening. Someone jumped out of a hot air balloon above the village and died. Mayor Joyce Vermue says that the meeting is intended for anyone who needs it.
“My thoughts and condolences go out first and foremost to the family and balloonist,” Mayor Vermue wrote in a message on Facebook. “I can well imagine that many residents saw the incident happen. The weather is nice, many people are outside and we also watch when a balloon passes above our village.”
The meeting is at four o’clock in the Zundert town hall. Anyone who needs contact sooner can call Victim Support.
‘Extremely affected’
The impact is also great within the ballooning world. Alex Jan Barends, chairman of the ballooning department of the Royal Dutch Aviation Association, will be present at the meeting on Sunday. “Our thoughts go out to the victim and everyone involved,” he said. “Everyone is very affected.”
According to Barends, the balloon company and the pilot acted as trained after the incident. “The moment something like this happens, an emergency plan comes into effect. Everyone knew what had to be done. The authorities were immediately warned and other balloons also landed immediately.”
Talking about thoughts of suicide helps. You can call the 113 Suicide Prevention Foundation 24 hours a day via 113 or 0900 0113 or chat via en 113.nl.
