Blimp at U.S. Open golf tourney crashes in Wisconsin

By Larry Fine

ERIN, Wisconsin (Reuters) - A blimp carrying advertising at the U.S. Open golf tournament in Wisconsin crashed on Thursday, injuring the pilot, tournament officials said.

The pilot, who was not identified, was being treated for unspecified injuries. No one else was on board the blimp.

The incident occurred near Erin, Wisconsin, about 45 miles northwest of Milwaukee.

The blimp crashed in an open field about a half mile (one km) from the Erin Hills golf course around 11:15 a.m CDT (1615 GMT), according to a statement from the U.S. Golf Association.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot at this time," the statement said.

Some witnesses reported on social media that the blimp was on fire before it hit the ground.

One witness said the crash was far from the course but smoke was visible rising among the trees.

The blimp was operated by Airsign, a Florida-based company, to display advertising, Airsign sales manager Catherine Walsh said.

(Reporting by Chris Kenning; Editing by Dan Grebler and Cynthia Osterman)