Balloon "Jubilee" incident in Leeds.

On Monday, 30th May 1877 a planned and publicised balloon ascent was to have taken place in the "Horticulture Gardens" in Leeds. The location was probably what had been the Leeds Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Headingley. The balloon named "Jubilee" was owned by Mr Henri Ballein, of Liverpool. The balloon was made of a large capacity material sack that had several folds that would open out as it was filled. During the filling process a large crowd had gathered and were very close to the balloon. Just before 18.00hrs and during the filling process a blockage occurred. The balloon's owner asked his assistants to go under the material and release the blockage, while they went under a number of other people who were watching also went under to offer help. In total twelve men went underneath. The blockage was released and those underneath re-appeared but a short time later another blockage occurred. One of the balloon owner's assistants went back under the material and found an unconscious man underneath it. The man was dragged out but did not regain consciousness, he was pronounced dead a short time later. An inquest was held and it was believed that he had died of asphyxia from the coal gas being used to fill the balloon. He had been an employee of the park owner where the balloon was being filled.

By-stander - Mr Thomas Harding, aged 27, of Quarry Hill, Leeds. Burial location unknown.