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Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee has expressed his condolences on behalf of the Government to the families and loved ones of the 11 people who lost their lives in a hot air ballooning tragedy near Carterton in the Wairarapa this morning.

“We are deeply sorry to learn of this tragic accident and our hearts go out to those who are now mourning the loss of life,” Mr Brownlee said.

“The accident will be thoroughly investigated by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission, the Civil Aviation Authority and Police on behalf of the Coroner.”

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee says the high holiday road toll is disappointing and it confirms the need to remain vigilant in efforts to improve safety on our roads.

18 people died on the roads during the official holiday driving period which ran from 4pm on December 23 to 6am this morning.

During the same period last year 12 people were killed, while in 2009/10 13 people died.

“This is a disappointing result. Every fatality and serious injury is a tragedy for the families and loved ones of those involved,” Mr Brownlee says.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee and Police Minister Anne Tolley say the record low 2011 road toll of 284 is encouraging but they are urging road users to remain vigilant in keeping the road toll down.

The provisional 2011 toll compares with 375 in 2010, 384 in 2009 and 366 in 2008. The last time the road toll was below 300 was in 1952 when 272 people died.

The Ministers say that the current holiday road toll illustrates why there is no room for complacency.