A hot air balloon's collision with a radio tower during the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on Friday led to the tower's collapse and a fiery descent for the balloon. Miraculously, all occupants escaped unharmed.
In an alarming incident that unfolded during the festive atmosphere of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a hot air balloon's fateful encounter with a radio tower left the tower in ruins and the balloon engulfed in flames.
Local authorities confirmed that three individuals were onboard the balloon when it plummeted to the ground at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Friday. Kevin Carhart, spokesperson for the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, relayed the sequence of events as the balloon rapidly descended.
Hot Air Balloon Disaster: Balloon Strikes Radio Tower at Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
The incident unfolded amidst the vibrant backdrop of the 52nd annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a weeklong extravaganza renowned for its captivating display of over 500 colorful balloons adorning the skies. However, this particular morning took a dramatic turn when Curt Fargo captured the harrowing encounter on video.
Fargo's footage captured the moment the hot air balloon collided with the radio tower, causing the structure to instantly crumble. The tower transmitted signals for the local radio station, KKOB-AM, which suffered disruption in its services following the incident.
Hot Air Balloon Disaster: Balloon Strikes Radio Tower at Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among those present at the site. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
This was not the first such incident involving the radio tower and a hot air balloon. In 2004, the KKOB tower was struck by the Smokey Bear Balloon, resulting in the balloon becoming entangled on the tower and endangering the lives of the pilot and two young passengers onboard.
Hot Air Balloon Disaster: Balloon Strikes Radio Tower at Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta concluded on Sunday, but not without another incident involving a hot air balloon. On Saturday, a balloon briefly caught fire after making contact with power lines before landing in northwest Albuquerque. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported in this incident as well.
The Associated Press contributed to this report, providing a comprehensive account of both the Friday and Saturday incidents that marred the otherwise festive atmosphere of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Hot Air Balloon Disaster: Balloon Strikes Radio Tower at Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
