2 Brits die in balloon gas explosion

MIDSOMER NORTON, England, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- A teenage boy in England treated his father to a New Year's Day balloon ride only to see him fall to his death from 20,000 feet, authorities said.

The basket's gas canisters exploded, killing scoutmaster Allan Burnett, 55, and experienced balloonist Lee Pibworth, 42, who were both from Bristol, The Mirror reported.

Pibworth's wife Elisabeth and Burnett's son Alex, 18, who had treated his father to the ride, served on the ground crew in Midsomer Norton, Somerset.

Two off-duty firefighters tried to assist but could not get near the burning basket.

Friends and colleagues posted online tributes to the victims Sunday.

"Allan was always there to help people. He will never be forgotten," Liam Stevenson said.

Pibworth's former boss, Alan Noble, said, "Lee was a very nice chap with lots of experience."