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But the concern shown by the balloon pilot and the blaring sirens from emergency vehicles told Michel that something was wrong.
CNN: Official: Egypt balloon explosion probe can take 2 weeks
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Mohammed Youssef, a pilot of another balloon which was in the air nearby at the time, told the Guardian newspaper that the fire started when it was 3m from the ground and was caused by a gas leak.
BBC: Egypt balloon crash: Two Britons and UK resident die
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The balloon leaders include a pilot, an overall leader, a captain, two drivers and a police representative who has jurisdiction to remove the balloon from the parade at any time.
CNN: balloon
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The balloon's pilot was not injured, CNN affiliate WSVN reported.
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The balloon's pilot and another man, a passenger, are still missing.
CNN: 5 found, 2 missing after balloon crash in Peru
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"Each time we renew the license, we check up the balloon and we test the pilot, " Sherif said.
NPR: Fiery Balloon Accident Kills 19 Tourists In Egypt
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It also prompted accusations that authorities have let safety standards decline amid the political turmoil and infighting, although civil aviation officials said the balloon had been inspected recently and that the pilot may have been to blame, jumping out rather than stopping the fire.
NPR: Fiery Balloon Accident Kills 19 Tourists In Egypt
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In addition, each balloon is attached to two 800-pound vehicles which pilot them along the route.
CNN: balloon
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The pilot, who is being treated for burns, survived by jumping when the balloon was just 10-15m (33-49ft) above ground, a local ballooning official told Reuters news agency.
BBC: Egypt: Balloon crashes near Luxor killing 19 tourists
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The pilot and a British passenger jumped to safety when the fire erupted, which affected the balance of the balloon, sending more heat into its "envelope" and causing it to climb rapidly, he said.
BBC: Egypt balloon crash: Two Britons and UK resident die