U.S. Open blimp catches on fire, crashes (Videos)

Things are getting off to a horrifying start at Erin Hills. A blimp at the U.S. Open caught fire and crashed in plain sight of fans at the golf course.

On Thursday, the 117th U.S. Open began on a crystal clear day in Erin Hills, Wisconsin. The main talking points were whether some of the well-known stars could author a tremendous weekend of golf. Unfortunately, a much more serious situation developed that has taken our attention.

The blimp hovering above the U.S. Open unfortunately caught fire above the scene and began dropping out of the sky, caught on video by fans at the event. People inside the blimp began parachuting out of the doomed aircraft, landing in the surrounding area. It remains unclear how badly anyone was injured by the situation, but we will keep you up to date.

This was the first time that the U.S. Open, or any major golf tournament for that matter, had been played at Erin Hills. Hopefully everyone ends up being all right.

UPDATE: The Associated Press is reporting the pilot who ejected from the blimp is “OK,” giving us some of the best news you could hope for.

There is also this statement from the USGA, regarding Thursday’s accident, stating that the blimp is not affiliated with the tournament or FOX:

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While the tournament has continued without interruption for the golfers, the event itself has to be put on the backburner at a time like this. Again, we hope that everyone is alright and that the cause of crash can be determined so that all involved can avoid a harrowing situation like that again.