DISASTER Today's video -- Rochester, MN, hot air balloon crashes into live power lines with multiple people on board.

[mzkitty]

1 minute. OMG !!

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1770635879800877134

View: https://twitter.com/i/status/1770635879800877134

 

[anna43]

Looks like the ReMax balloon I've seen elsewhere.

 

[Macgyver]

Must have been out of gas. That's not even a clear spot to even try and land.

 

[Red Baron]

OMG - The basket separated from the balloon envelope.

 

[greysage]

Someone is losing their aeronaut certification after that landing.

 

[seraphima]

Lord, have mercy! Prayers sent.

 

[stormie]

Oh dear God!

 

[mzkitty]

Hot air balloon crashes near highway in Rochester, Minnesota​

Updated on: March 20, 2024 / 8:33 PM CDT

ROCHESTER, Minn. — A hot air balloon crashed Wednesday evening in Rochester, Minnesota, authorities said.

The Federal Aviation Administration told CBS News in a statement that there were three people aboard the balloon when it crashed at about 7 p.m. local time.

The incident occurred near U.S. Highway 63 southbound, between the exits for 40th Street Southeast and 48th Street Southeast, according to CBS affiliate KIMT.

Rochester Fire Capt. Chad Kuhlman told KIMT that no one was seriously injured.

"Everyone is miraculously ok," Kuhlman said. "They hung up on the power lines. The was some sparking going with them hanging in the power lines in the basket. Eventually, the wire gave way and the basket and they took a drop from that wire to the ground."

The FAA said it will investigate the incident.

Rochester is located about 85 miles south of Minneapolis.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Hot air balloon crashes near highway in Rochester, Minnesota

A fire official told CBS affiliate KIMT that no one was seriously hurt.

www.cbsnews.com

 

[adgal]

It’s a miracle that no one was injured

 

[dioptase]

Ditto - amazed no serious injuries.

 

[WalknTrot]

I dunno about the southern half of the state, but up north here, it's been windier than heck.
Not ANY kind of day that I'd risk one of those deathtraps.

Besides, as you can see from the video, no snow, and dry as dust. Hope they got the wildfire crew out there ASAP.

 

[Rabbit]

There must have been some heavy-duty praying going on.

 

[Luddite]

Definitely gonna need an underwear swap...

 

[lanningro]

I dated a woman 30 years ago who had a balloon, coasting over residential areas you can hear people talking, they never look up. In reality, you are riding in a laundry basket, suspended on 1/4 or 5/16 aircraft cables with 200 pounds of propane on board and a giant burner over you head. Best if you don't think about it too much.

 

[Milkweed Host]

SE MN has had lots of hot air balloons in the past.
There is often a balloon rally near Caledonia in the fall.

In the 1990's, my boss was offered a free hot air balloon ride.
When I found out, I told my boss that I'd fly near him in a gyrocopter (gyroplane)
and take photos of him.
He declined the balloon ride for some reason. I don't know if
he was afraid of heights or my 24' rotor near his balloon????