At around 8:22 AM, Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) and the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) were dispatched to the area of 4th St NW and Mildred Ave NW. Callers reported that a hot air balloon had crashed into power lines and caught fire.
AFR dispatched at least eight units to the scene, including a battalion commander, two engine trucks, a ladder truck, a paramedic supervisor, two rescue units, and a squad unit. AFR was able to extinguish the fire.
The exact cause of the crash is still unknown. When the hot air balloons launched this morning, surface winds were calm. However, there had been discussion during the pilots’ briefing about faster upper-level wind speeds.
The crash occurred near a dirt construction lot. After the balloon struck the power lines, the envelope collapsed and ended up on a fence for a property that is nearby. Preliminary information suggest no other structures were damaged. No injuries were reported.
Both AFR and APD remain on the scene. AFR personnel were observed gathering the balloon envelope and consolidating it into one location.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the New Mexico State Police will conduct an investigation into the crash.
UPDATE:
At 10:53 AM, Albuquerque Fire Rescue posted on their Facebook that:
On October 12, 2024 at 8:23AM AFR was dispatched to a 62D-1, high angle rescue, at 427 Mildred Ave NW. It was reported that a hot air balloon had become tangled in a power line and the envelope was catching fire. Engine 4, Engine 10, Engine 19, Rescue 4, Rescue 6, Squad 1, Squad 2, Unit 78, Battalion Chief 3 and Battalion Chief 4 were dispatched to the event. A balloon landed and then fell into the power line resulting in an envelope fire. The fire was attacked by the pilots on scene with fire extinguishers. All occupants were able to exit the basket and no injuries were reported. Engine 19 arrived and extinguished the smoldering envelope. AFR crews remained on the scene until PNM arrived. AIBF Safety team and the FAA were on site investigating the incident. No additional information is currently available.
Location on map is the approximate area that AFR and APD were dispatched