Authorities said on Thursday that one person was killed and five others injured in a hot-air balloon accident in the northern Dutch province of Friesland.

Local reports have it that the balloon was attempting to land near the village of De Hoeve, when the incident occurred, noting that there were 34 people on board, including the pilot and co-pilot.

The report also revealed that three of the injured persons were in serious condition at hospital.

According to officials, the balloon was preparing to land in a field near the village when it was suddenly caught by a gust of wind.

Witnesses told reporters that the basket struck the ground several times and was dragged for several meters.

The safety authority spokesman has confirmed those accounts, describing “terrible panic.”

Emergency services were immediately alerted, with ambulances and two helicopters deployed. Five people were taken to hospital, while one person died at the scene.