Dramatic footage of blimp crashing in flames close to Erin Hills
By Keith Jackson
Last Updated: 16/06/17 11:30am
There was drama off the course on the opening day of the US Open at Erin Hills as several fans captured footage of a blimp catching fire and crashing to the ground.
Local authorities in Wisconsin confirmed that the commercial blimp deflated and descended into a remote field close to the course, while large black plumes of smoke were clearly visible in the surrounding areas.
The USGA announced that the blimp was not affiliated with the tournament or the host broadcasters, Fox Sports, while police on the scene revealed that only the pilot was on board at the time.
The pilot was believed to have jumped clear moments before the inflatable craft hit the ground, and he was reported to have suffered non-serious injuries after being dragged clear of the burning wreckage by crew chief Matt Schmidt, who told ESPN: "I heard him calling out for help when I got there.
"He was able to get out of the gondola and he was probably five to 10 feet away trying to crawl away. I asked him if he could move and he said he couldn't get up and walk. I pulled him as far away as I could and as fast as I could. I got 50 feet away before the first tank exploded, and then I pulled him about another 60 feet away before the second one exploded."
A USGA statement read: "According to local authorities, a commercial blimp not affiliated with the USGA or the U.S. Open Championship broadcast crashed in an open field approximately a half mile from the Erin Hills golf course at approximately 11:15 a.m. CDT.
"First responders were quick to arrive at the scene and the pilot is currently being treated for unknown injuries. No other people were involved in the incident and local law enforcement is currently investigating. Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot at this time."
Jamie Lovemark was teeing off on the fifth at the time of the incident, and he said: "I looked up and saw it on fire, and I felt sick to my stomach. I had the shakes and I felt terrible for the people inside.
"It was a horrific scene. I've never seen a plane crash, blimp crash, anything like that, so it was pretty awful. I thought they might stop play. It was scary."
