LANCE HOPPING'S friends and family are expected to receive invitations today for his wedding to Nina Kelynack.

Tragically, the wedding will not take place after Mr Hopping was killed in yesterday's devastating balloon crash in the Wairarapa region in New Zealand.

The 50-year-old balloonist was piloting the craft when it struck power lines, burst into flames and crashed to the ground. Five couples also died in the crash.

Relatives of several victims were following the balloon on the ground and watched as the tragedy unfolded.

One witness reported hearing a woman make a phone call, saying: ''Mum and dad have been in a hot air balloon accident, they've hit power lines and they're dead.''