Sudden winds cause bumpy landings

Posted at: 10/08/2009 9:55 AM | Updated at: 10/08/2009 5:49 PM
By: Reed Upton, KOB.com

A balloon entangled in a power line in Albuquerque’s foothills was just one of six mishaps created by winds picking up toward the end of Thursday’s Balloon Fiesta flight.

The Albuquerque fire Department reports that between about 9:30 and about 10:00 there were six incidents that required assistance. Two minor injuries were reported.

Public Company of New Mexico reports balloons in power lines caused power outages for 2,600 people near Menaul and Broadway, who have had their power restored, and 600 people near Wyoming and Menaul, where power was still out at midday.

From Chopper 4, it appeared that the balloon that suffered a mishap in the foothills smashed into the side of a house before the guy lines between the envelope and the gondola became caught up in power lines, dangling until PNM removed it.

The incident occurred east of Tramway and just north of Interstate 40 in a residential neighborhood.

Yet another balloon got caught in power lines near San Mateo and Montgomery. Officials report everyone got out of the gondola safely and PNM disentangled the aircraft.

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