Nine injured after hot air balloon caught in dust storm

WILLIAMS, Ariz. (NBC, KYMA/KECY) – At least nine people were injured when a tethered hot air balloon in Arizona was caught in a dust storm.

The incident occurred at the Independence Day Fair in Williams, when authorities said a sudden gust of thermal wind caused the tethered balloon to break free and crash into nearby tents, a building and parked cars.

The balloon was weighted down by three propane tanks, but that was not enough to prevent it from being carried away.

Of the nine injured, three were taken to Flagstaff hospital.

No word on their condition.