According to South China Morning Post (SCMP), a 31-year old mother and her 3-year old son were killed in a ballooning trip over eastern China.

Happened over China's National Day

The incident took place on October 1 in the Majiagou eco-tourism village, located in the Shandong province.

October 1 is also China's National Day.

SCMP reported that a tether holding the balloon to the ground broke, and the balloon ruptured as it rose higher into the sky.

The woman and her child were harnessed side-by-side and were the only passengers in the balloon as it crashed.

Footage of the incident went viral on Weibo.

Local emergency response authorities said that the ride was illegal, and they were investigating the matter.

Staff members of the Majiagou scenic area have said that the balloon did not belong to them, and added that the balloon activity was unauthorised.

Police have since classified the incident as a criminal case, and five people have been arrested in connection to the matter.

Tourist activities in the Majiagou area have been temporarily suspended, with the staff promising refunds on all tickets.

Top image adapted via QQ news