On 15 June 1785, Jean-Francois Pilatre de Rozier and Pierre Romain died when their hot air balloon (it was a mixture of hydrogen and hot air) exploded while they were attempting to cross the English Channel.   Read newspaper reports about the accident   To mark their bravery in attempting such a feat, we’ve posted a contemporary newspaper report about the tragedy.   Derby Mercury – Thursday 16 June 1785 Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View …