Hot Air Balloon Strikes Power Lines Near Barstow and Glendale

Albuquerque –

Around 8:45 AM, firefighters from Albuquerque Fire Rescue were dispatched to Barstow St and Glendale Ave for reports of a hot air balloon that struck the power lines. A caller advised that the canopy was still draped over and dangling from the lines, and two occupants were inside the balloon gondola.

When AFR crews arrived on scene, they found the balloon caught in the power lines, with two occupants inside the gondola. AFR’s Public Information Officer Lt. Jason Fejer stated “no injuries reported.“

A homeowner in the area contacted us to report the crash and said power briefly went out at nearby homes.

PNM was requested to the scene to assist with entangled balloon.

If we learn more about the crash from fire officials, we will provide an update.

UPDATE:

AFR provided an update which stated: On October 4, at approximately 0845, AFR units were dispatched to Barstow St and Glendale Ave NE for an incident involving a Balloon that struck a power line. AFR Station 20 units arrived on scene, Ladder 20 assumed command and provide a size up that included two occupants in the basket. The two occupants reported no injuries. NM State Police provided scene security. PNM arrived on scene and secured the power to the power line. The balloon envelope was removed and all hazards were mitigated. Both occupants were removed from the basket and escorted to a safe area.