16 injured in hot air balloon heavy landing in Australia

SYDNEY, Australia — A hot air balloon landed heavily after hitting a tree north of Sydney on Friday, injuring 16 people, officials said.

The balloon was carrying a pilot and 24 passengers when it landed in a field in Hunter Valley after hitting the tree, Professional Ballooning Association of Australia spokesman Damian Crock said.

The Health Department said 16 passengers were treated at a hospital and at least 12 had been discharged late Friday.

Their injuries included suspected spinal damage and broken bones. None of the injuries was life-threatening, an ambulance official said.