Hot Air Balloon Accident: 3 Survivors in Minnesota Power Line Collision

Three individuals have defied the odds and survived a harrowing ordeal after a hot air balloon accident in Minnesota. The incident occurred when the balloon, attempting to land in a field, was unexpectedly pushed into a power line by a gust of wind, causing the basket to detach and plummet approximately 20-30 feet to the ground.

According to the Rochester Police Department, the crash took place along Highway 63 between the exits for 40th Street Southeast and 48th Street Southeast around 6:50 p.m. local time on Wednesday. Despite the severity of the impact, only minor injuries were reported by the two occupants of the balloon, identified as the pilot and two passengers in the preliminary report from the FAA.

Following the crash, a small brush fire ignited near the site, which was promptly extinguished by the Rochester Fire Department. Remarkably, despite the dramatic nature of the accident, no serious injuries were sustained by those involved.

Captivating footage of the incident captured the moment the hot air balloon collided with the power lines, erupting into flames as passing vehicles observed the scene. Rochester Fire Capt. Chad Kuhlman described the event as astonishing, noting the sparking caused by the balloon’s contact with the power lines before the basket ultimately detached and fell to the ground.

While the incident is a stark reminder of the risks associated with hot air balloon rides, the fortunate survival of the passengers serves as a testament to the swift response of emergency services and the resilience of those involved.

Three individuals have defied the odds and survived a harrowing ordeal after a hot air balloon accident in Minnesota. The incident occurred when the balloon, attempting to land in a field, was unexpectedly pushed into a power line by a gust of wind, causing the basket to detach and plummet approximately 20-30 feet to the…