Five people died after a hot-air balloon crashed into a power line here on Saturday morning, the authorities said.

Four people died at the scene, and one man was taken to a hospital where he later died, mayor Tim Keller said at a news conference on Saturday afternoon.

Gilbert Gallegos, an Albuquerque police spokesman, said the pilot of the balloon was among the men who died.

Harold Medina, the Albuquerque police chief, said several of his officers who responded to the crash had to be sent home later because they were so disturbed by what had happened.

“It took its toll on them,” chief Medina said. “In 26 years, it’s one of the scenes that hit me the most, because it was just such a beautiful moment that led to such a tragic ending for these individuals involved.”

The crash happened around 7am local time near a CVS pharmacy on Unser Boulevard and Central Avenue in an area dotted with stores and restaurants.

The gondola of the balloon, which was carrying all five individuals, crashed into power lines, caught fire and slammed into the street. The balloon then detached and floated away, Gallegos said.

New York Times News Service