No Survivors After Hot Air Balloon Catches Fire and Crashes in Central Texas

Authorities say it is unlikely there were any survivors after a hot air balloon carrying at least 16 people caught fire and crashed Saturday morning in Central Texas.

The accident happened shortly after 7:40 AM just outside of Lockhart at 196 Jolly Road, Caldwell County - about 30 miles southeast of Austin. The Caldwell County Sheriff's Department issued a statement shortly after 11 AM saying the balloon went down in a pasture, but could not provide further details.

The statement said it is unlikely anyone on board survived.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating and are expected to release more information later today. The names of the passengers and pilot have not yet been released.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott asked "all of Texas to join us in praying for those lost."