New Delhi, April 10 -- A festive morning turned into a scene of tragedy in Rajasthan's Baran district after a hot air balloon operator fell to his death during a trial run at the city's Khel Sankul ground. The chilling incident occurred around 7 am on Thursday, the final day of the three-day Baran Utsav, leaving attendees and officials in shock.

The victim, identified as 40-year-old Vasudev Khatri from Kota, was a seasoned hot air balloon expert with over two decades of experience. He was preparing for a balloon show, one of the festival's star attractions, when the accident occurred during a safety test.

According to DSP Omendra Singh Shekhawat, Vasudev was conducting a solo trial run. As the balloon was being inflated, he reportedly h...