ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Multiple agencies were called to a report of a hot air balloon that had landed near power lines with the balloon wrapping itself around the lines Saturday morning. Albuquerque Fire Rescue (AFR) crews said two people were inside the balloon basket when they arrived. The basket was on the ground and stable at the time.
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AFR responded to the incident just before 8 a.m. with Albuquerque police and Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) to safely manage it. AFR said PNM crews de-energized the affected power lines, allowing emergency personnel to safely access the balloon basket. Once the lines were confirmed to have been shut off, AFR crews safely removed both occupants from the basket. Both occupants were evaluated and were uninjured.
AFR wants to remind everyone to maintain a safe distance from downed or potentially energized power lines and to never approach or attempt to remove people from an electrical hazard. Emergency personnel and utility crews are trained to safely manage these incidents. PNM has provided tips on how to stay safe around balloons that may have come into contact with power lines. Those tips can be found by clicking the link here…