No injuries reported after balloon landing sparks powerline fire

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – On Saturday, October 12, authorities responded to an incident where a balloon hit a power line, causing it to catch fire.

Around 8:23 a.m., Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) was called to 427 Mildred Ave. NW for a balloon that had landed but fell into a powerline and started a fire. AFR said the balloon landed on the ground but the envelope got tangled in the power lines causing the spark.

“I was painting here, and I heard a big, loud, loud sound coming from across the street. Within a minute, there were fire engines and police and ambulances, PNM, a helicopter,” said Tim Fresquez, who was doing maintenance across the street from the crash.

Crews extinguished the “smoldering envelope,” and no injuries were reported. PNM came out to the scene as well. Nearby businesses said power was out for about 30 minutes while crews cleaned up the scene. Authorities are investigating the incident. Saturday’s crash is at least the third crash this week at the 2024 Balloon Fiesta.

“Through this morning’s mass ascension, there have been more than 3,200 launches as a part of the 2024 Balloon Fiesta. It concerns us when balloon flights don’t go as planned.  Safe flights are our primay goal so any accident is too many. As always, we’ll review data about  flights with the FAA after Balloon Fiesta,” said Tom Garrity, the spokesperson for Balloon Fiesta.

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