Videos are emerging of a dramatic scene at the U.S. Open when a PenFed blimp hovering over the course caught fire and crashed into the ground at approximately 12:15 p.m. ET. The ad agency behind the blimp said the pilot stayed with the blimp as it crashed, sustaining some burns, but is OK, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
U.S. Open blimp catches fire, explodes on ground
The pilot received burns and was transported to a nearby hospital
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Here is a look at the blimp on the ground as an explosion occurs.
The USGA released the following statement after the crash.
Initial reports from spectators at the scene state that crew members parachuted out of the blimp before it crashed into the ground were incorrect. Despite the angle of videos from the scene, the blimp was not close to spectators when it finally crashed.
The Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel added the following in a report.
There were no immediate details of what happened but some reported that the blimp apparently was on fire before it hit the ground near Highway 83 and Highway 167.
An additional photo was posted by an onlooker showing smoke billowing on the horizon.
