ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—The 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta came to a close with a drone show and a flawless mass ascension on Sunday. However, the event was not without its challenges.
One balloon experienced a partial fire on Saturday after hitting power lines and landing at a construction site in northwest Albuquerque. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the fire was quickly extinguished by Fiesta officials.
On Friday, a balloon pilot carrying two passengers collided with a radio tower west of Balloon Fiesta Park, causing it to collapse. This incident marked the second time in 20 years that a balloon had come into contact with that particular tower.
The pilot and passengers emerged unharmed from the crash and were able to make a safe landing, but the radio station remained off the air until Saturday.
A head injury was reported on Wednesday when a balloon struck a large tree while attempting to land at a golf course. The gondola became stuck 25 feet above the ground, requiring a rescue operation for the other two individuals on board.
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On Tuesday, a balloon incident led to nearly 13,000 customers losing power for almost an hour in Albuquerque after a balloon made contact with a power line.
“It concerns us when balloon flights encounter difficulties,” stated Fiesta spokesman Tom Garrity. “Safety is our top priority, and any mishap is one too many.”
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a nine-day event, is renowned as one of the most photographed gatherings in the world. Each fall, it attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators to New Mexico to witness over 100 vibrant balloons of various shapes and sizes take to the sky.
