A BLIMP covering the US Open at Erin Hills has caught fire and crashed in nearby woods outside the course.
It has been reported that the pilot inside the blimp parachuted to the ground as it descended from the skies.
One person on Twitter wrote that there is "one injured operator with burns" although it is unknown how serious the injuries are.
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Another wrote: "I was told that the blimp crashed. Apparently the driver is OK."
The U.S. Open confirmed the incident on their official twitter account by writing: "A blimp unaffiliated with the US Open or FOXSports has crashed near Erin Hills. Pilot was injured and first responders are on the scene."
Witnesses report that emergency services and spectators rushed to the scene of the crash after seeing 'three fireballs' before falling to the ground.
Reported by ESPN's Ian O'Connor, paramedics were at the scene moving a victim of the blimp crash shortly after it went down whilst Guardian's Ewan Murray reports that the driver is being treated for burns.
The blimp was sent up by banking firm Penfed and according to Twitter user Alex Grimm, it landed on his grandmother's farm close to two major highways.
Another USGA statement later read: "According to local authorities, a commercial blimp not affiliated with the USGA or the U.S. Open Championship broadcast crashed in an open field approximately a half mile from the Erin Hills golf course at approximatelty 11:15am.
"First responders were quick to arrive at the scene and the pilot is currently being treated for unknown injuries.
"No other people were involved in the incident and local law enforcement is currently investigating.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot at this time."
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A statement released by Washington County Sheriff department read: "The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the crash of an advertising blimp east of the 2017 US Open Golf event grounds.
"The blimp went down in an open field in the Town of Erin.
"First responders are on scene for rescue operations and Flight for Life has been summoned to the scene for the pilot. The Sheriff’s Office will release more information as soon as we can."
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