Hot Air Balloon Crash on Highway 63: Sparks, Fire & Miraculous Escape

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The hot air balloon was hanging in the power lines along the highway.Photo byauthor (licensed under CC BY 2.0)

On the evening of March 20, 2024, a hot air balloon collided with power lines along U.S. Highway 63 South in Rochester, between 40th Street Southeast and 48th Street Southeast. Responding to the incident at around 7 p.m.,

The Police Department and Rochester Fire Department reported that the balloon had veered in the southeast direction before hitting the power lines.

The balloon was observed to be emitting sparks as it dangled precariously from the lines. Subsequently, a fire broke out in a 100-foot by 100-foot area in the western ditch of the highway following the crash of the balloon basket, as per a statement released by the RFD.

"Preliminary information indicates the balloon was trying to land in a field when a gust of wind pushed it into a power line. The basket became disconnected from the balloon and fell approximately 20-30 feet to the ground," RPD said in a statement.

RFD Capt. Chad Kuhlman said "everyone is miraculously OK," according to an interview with KIMT News 3.

"I've never seen anything like it," Kuhlman said.

Amanda Grayson from the RPD reported that a hot air balloon carrying three individuals crashed.

Two of the occupants sustained only minor injuries. Witness Kuhlman described the scene as plumes of smoke descending on 40th Street.

The balloon basket was harmed during the fall, while the top part of the balloon drifted upward upon hitting the power lines.

Responders to the incident included the Minnesota State Patrol, Mayo Clinic Ambulance, and Rochester Public Utilities.

Authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.