A champion hot air balloon pilot has died after a balloon crashed into a building before plunging to the ground in a devastating accident in western Poland.

Jagoda Gancarek, 28, was killed after she fell from the basket when the balloon struck an apartment block in Zielona Gora on Monday, March 9, morning. Footage from the scene shows the white, green and yellow balloon flying dangerously low over a residential area before colliding with the building and descending rapidly toward the street.

The balloon eventually crashed to ground level, where the deflated envelope became tangled in a tree and draped over a bus.

Gancarek and two other women had been on board during the flight, which had taken off from the Lubuskie Region Aero Club.

According to reports, the trio had been airborne for around 90 minutes when the balloon got into difficulty.

When the aircraft struck the apartment building, Gancarek was thrown from the basket and fell onto the roof of the structure.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and paramedics arrived by helicopter, but despite attempts to revive her she could not be saved.

A spokesperson for local police, Malgorzata Stanislawska, confirmed the tragedy.

“As a result of the accident, a 28-year-old woman died after falling from the basket onto the roof of one of the buildings,” she said.

“Unfortunately, despite resuscitation efforts, she could not be saved.”

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The balloon continued its descent with the two other women still clinging to the basket before making an emergency landing in the centre of the city.

Both passengers were able to step out without serious injuries.

Images from the crash site showed the torn balloon lying across a street while the basket came to rest beside a bus, with the balloon fabric hanging in nearby tree branches.

Investigations into the incident are now being carried out by Polish police and the State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation.

Gancarek was a highly respected balloon pilot and instructor who had previously spoken about the peace she found while flying.

“You’re left alone with your thoughts. It’s an incredible feeling,” she once said.

“The adrenaline is there, of course, but above all you just focus on getting things done.”

Last year she won the title of Polish Women’s Champion at the 11th Women’s Ballooning Championships held in Naleczow.

In a statement following her death, the Lubuskie Region Aero Club paid tribute to the pilot.

“We will remember Jagoda as a warm and always smiling person, full of passion and a love for flying,” the club said.