I wonder about a rig jazzed up to support hotter burning for a bigger load that got hit by sustained upper winds that put the envelope too close to the flames and caught fire.
Very tragic. Condolences and sympathies to their loved ones.
Some may also remember this tragic incident 3 years ago.
Similar mid-air fire caused crash.
Deadliest balloon crash in decades kills 19 in Egypt - CNN.com
http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/26/world/africa/egypt-balloon-deaths/