8 Injured When Balloon Crashes Into Tree In Oregon

DONALD, Ore. - One person was killed and seven others injured yesterday when a hot-air balloon hit a tree, dumping its passengers out of the gondola to the ground below.

The crash occurred shortly after 7 a.m. near a country road a mile from town, about 25 miles southwest of Portland, Marion County fire officials said.

Five of the seven passengers, including the pilot, were in serious condition at a Portland hospital. Two had spinal fractures, according to a hospital spokeswoman.

The dead man was identified as Carl Allamand, 70, of Union.

Witnesses said the balloon was traveling west over Interstate 5 when it hit a tall Douglas fir.