This is the horrifying moment a man jumps from a burning hot air balloon to his death after he became trapped in the basket as it took off from the ground and caught on fire.

The incident happened during the first Hot Air Balloon Festival held in the town of General Enrique Estrada, in Zacatecas, Mexico, on 11th May 2025.

The balloon caught fire mid-air, prompting the passenger to leap into the void in a desperate bid to escape the flames.

Eyewitnesses said the man plunged to the ground as the basket was engulfed in fire.

Footage of the incident quickly went viral online, showing the balloon ablaze before it crashed.

A hot air balloon catches fire during a festival in Enrique Estrada, Mexico, undated. A person died after jumping into the void. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (Newsflash/NX)

Local authorities later confirmed that the victim died from injuries sustained in the fall.

The man’s identity has not yet been released.

Event organisers stated that the balloon involved was privately operated and had passed safety checks before the flight.

A hot air balloon catches fire during a festival in Enrique Estrada, Mexico, undated. A person died after jumping into the void. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (Newsflash/NX)

The Secretary of Government of Zacatecas, Rodrigo Reyes Muguerza, stated: "We urge all municipal authorities to strengthen their verification mechanisms to avoid these types of risks during their activities and festivities."

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

(MJ Leidig/newsX)