Dramatic Video: Hot Air Balloon Hits High Voltage Line and Catches Fire. Photo: Reproduction Twitter @MN CRIME
A hot air balloon was involved in a dramatic incident last Wednesday, March 20, in Rochester, Minnesota, when its basket touched a high voltage line, resulting in a fall to the ground and a subsequent fire.
Surprisingly, the three people on board escaped with only minor injuries.
+ Click here to watch the video
The accident, which occurred around 6:50 p.m., was captured by a traffic camera from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Preliminary police reports suggest that the pilot was attempting to land in an open field when surprised by a gust of wind. The wind force pushed the balloon directly into a high voltage line along Highway 63.
+ Video shows men arguing moments before shooting in New York subway
Captured images show a moment of tension as the basket and the balloon separate, with visible sparks coming from the high voltage line. The basket, after briefly hanging in the air, fell from an estimated height of 20 to 30 feet (approximately 6 to 9 meters). Meanwhile, the balloon was carried higher, moving away from the accident site.
Despite the impressive images, the pilot and the two passengers managed to land safely, even as sparks caused a fire in the nearby brush. Local police confirmed that only “very minor injuries” were reported by those involved. A firefighting team was called and quickly brought the fire under control.
The balloon was later located about 3 kilometers from the incident site, according to information provided by authorities.
Source and video: Reproduction Twitter @MN CRIME
