In an incident that gave new meaning to the phrase "up in the air," three people were injured after a hot air balloon struck power lines and caught on fire in northwestern Indiana. For all those who think hot air ballooning is just a serene glide through the heavens, think again—sometimes you get a surprising jolt back into reality.

The crash occurred around 6:50 p.m. local time on Sunday in an unincorporated area east of the town of Lowell. Apparently, the hot air balloon was adhering to its own version of Indiana Time.

Upon arrival at the scene, authorities found the hot air balloon with the envelope still attached to the basket. For the unindoctrinated, that means it’s unlikely to be a future Airbnb listing anytime soon.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are both investigating the crash, which probably tops their list of "crash courses in irony." One can only assume their first question will be, "Why didn't you steer clear of the massive, sizzling power lines?"

Two victims were airlifted to hospitals in Chicago, while the pilot, apparently having just completed "How Not to Fly a Balloon 101," was taken by ambulance to a hospital in Crown Point, Indiana. A bystander captured the crash on video, showing a blue flash at the moment of impact with the power lines. Clearly, it was the balloon's fleeting attempt at producing a grand finale.

Remarkably, one passenger, identified as 53-year-old Teri Campbell, was conscious, talking, and walking after the crash. All things considered, it appears Teri took “keeping cool under pressure” to new heights.

Though certainly not the kind of thrill the passengers were likely seeking, this incident may become a case study in "How to Light Up Indiana, Literally." As the FAA and NTSB delve into their investigations, we can only hope their findings spark better safety measures (pun fully intended) to prevent future sky-high electric encounters.

For now, aspiring balloonists in Indiana might consider sticking to the traditional terra firma routes, or at least those without electrical conductors crisscrossing the skyline.