‘Unusual’: Runaway research balloon from West Texas crashes in New Mexico

LUBBOCK, Texas — Multiple volunteer fire departments responded to a “runaway research balloon” on Friday afternoon that was a possible danger to Bledsoe and Morton, according to the Whiteface Volunteer Fire Department.

WVFD said crews were dispatched at 12:32 p.m.

According to WFVD, the research balloon was full of helium and nitrogen. The fire department explained neither are explosive, but could displace oxygen in a confined area. WVFD also said there were lithium batteries on the balloon, which was a “substantial fire hazard.”

Units from Whiteface, Morton, Levelland and Cochran County units responded to the incident. The Milnesand Fire Department in New Mexico was notified when it became clear the balloon could cross the state line.

“At that time, Cochran County and Levelland units crossed into New Mexico with eyes on the balloon, which finally crashed about 10 miles west of Bledsoe on N.M. Hwy 262,” a social media post stated .

There was no immediate fire danger, according to WVFD, and Levelland units were released while Cochran County Units stood by until New Mexico crews arrived.

“An unusual and potentially dangerous situation came to an anticlimactic end,” the fire department said in a social media post. “Area fire departments responded promptly and professionally.”

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