Balloon hits power lines on Day 2 of Balloon Fiesta
The Rhapsody in Blue hot air balloon became caught in power lines near La Cueva High School in Northeast Albuquerque on Sunday, the second day of the Balloon Fiesta. Emergency crews responded to the scene to address the downed balloon. No injuries were reported following the incident. This event was part of a series of flight complications during the festival, including a crash near the Journal Center on Day 1 and a balloon becoming stuck on a scoreboard on Monday.
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- ✓ A blue balloon hit power lines near La Cueva High School on Sunday.
- ✓ The incident occurred in Northeast Albuquerque during the Balloon Fiesta.
- ✓ Emergency crews responded to the balloon wrapped around power lines.
- ✓ No injuries were reported.
What changed
Reports now identify the specific aircraft as the Rhapsody in Blue and confirm no injuries occurred.
Live updates
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Blue Balloon Hits Power Lines Near La Cueva High School
The Rhapsody in Blue hot air balloon became caught in power lines near La Cueva High School in Northeast Albuquerque on Sunday, the second day of the Balloon Fiesta. Emergency crews responded to the scene to address the downed balloon. No injuries were reported following the incident. This event was part of a series of flight complications during the festival, including a crash near the Journal Center on Day 1 and a balloon becoming stuck on a scoreboard on Monday.
Why it matters
The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is a major annual event that significantly impacts local hotel rates and emergency service demand. Albuquerque Fire Rescue manages numerous rough landings and equipment failures throughout the festival.
What is confirmed
- A blue balloon hit power lines near La Cueva High School on Sunday.
- The incident occurred in Northeast Albuquerque during the Balloon Fiesta.
- Emergency crews responded to the balloon wrapped around power lines.
- No injuries were reported.
Still unconfirmed
- The balloon involved was named Rhapsody in Blue.
- A balloon crashed near the Journal Center on Day 1 of the festival.
- Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded to three balloon calls on Monday, including one stuck on a scoreboard.
What to watch next
- Official accident report from aviation authorities
- Statements from the Rhapsody in Blue flight crew
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (12)
- KOB 4 — Balloon crashes near Journal Center on Day 1 of Balloon Fiesta
- KRQE — Albuquerque emergency crews respond to balloon wrapped around power lines
- mississippivalleypublishing.com — Hot air balloon downed in New Mexico after becoming caught in power lines
- KOAT — Balloon comes into contact with power lines in NE Albuquerque
- KOB 4 — Balloon hits power lines on Day 2 of Balloon Fiesta
- www.kob.com — Balloon hits power lines on Day 2 of Balloon Fiesta - KOB 4
- www.kob.com — AFR busy with rough landings from Balloon Fiesta on Monday - KOB 4
- www.route66news.com — Kap’s Coffee Shop & Diner in Albuquerque to close on Oct. 11 after nearly 60 years - Route 66 News
- www.route66news.com — Town of Normal names Terri Ryburn its Citizen of the Year - Route 66 News
- kvia.com — The events that nearly double a city's hotel rates - KVIA
- www.yahoo.com — Fear and loathing in a balloon without a basket
- www.abqjournal.com — Balloon hits power line in Northeast Albuquerque
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