Balloonist's daring leap (From Stroud News and Journal)

Balloonist's daring leap

A HOT air balloonist from Chalford made a daring leap to safety during a dramatic explosion in Japan on Monday.

Richard Parry, 53, and his Japanese crewman were forced to abandon Mr Parry's £25,000 balloon when the basket caught fire after a hard landing.

Mr Parry, a retired airline pilot for Cathay Pacific and his companion dived into a paddy field as the basket hit the ground.

The balloon then rose rapidly skywards as the fire spread into the nylon envelope.

Observers on the ground watched in horror as the fuel tanks exploded and the whole balloon was engulfed in flames.

Mr Parry an experienced balloon pilot was taking part in the Saga International Balloon Fiesta, the largest balloon festival in Asia.

The champion balloonist is a regular competitor in the event and has several competition titles under his belt.

Both he and the crewman escaped with minor burns and bruises and were taken to hospital for treatment.

On Monday the SNJ contacted Mr Parry by e-mail and he was in good spirits. "Both my crewman and I are 100 per cent okay," he said. "I just need a new balloon."

It is currently unclear what caused the incident but Mr Parry is expected home today, Wednesday.

Mr Parry's son, David who also lives in Chalford has spent the last few days fielding media attention about his father's lucky escape.

For more Stroud stories see this week's SNJ.