5 Jan 2013

Memorial services mark balloon crash anniversary

12:06 pm on 5 January 2013

Memorial services have been held for the 11 people who died in a hot air balloon crash in the Wairarapa almost a year ago.

Monday marks the first anniversary of the crash in Carterton, where the balloon collided with power lines and caught fire, killing all those on board.

Private memorial services were held on Saturday morning in Carterton and Wellington.

There will be public services on Sunday morning in both locations.

Carterton mayor Ron Mark says the entire town was affected by the disaster and expects Monday to be an emotional time for many.

A report into the crash by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission is due to be released towards the middle of this year.

An interim report released by the commission last year revealed that the pilot, Lance Hopping, had been taking cannabis and the balloon was not airworthy due to problems with its maintenance.