1 Killed, 7 Injured as Balloon Hits Tree

A descending hot-air balloon struck a Douglas fir tree near Donald, Ore., sending its eight passengers tumbling to the ground. Carl Allamand, 70, of Union, Ore., was killed, and the seven other passengers were injured. Five of them, including the balloon’s pilot, were in serious condition at a Portland hospital. One was in fair condition, and the condition of the seventh person was not known. Witnesses said the red, white and blue balloon was traveling west over Interstate 5 when it hit the tree. Donald Fire Department spokesman Walt Miller said the tree was 50 to 75 feet tall, but it was not known how far the passengers fell.