ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta concluded on a high note with an impressive drone show and a flawless mass ascension. However, this year’s event was not without its challenges.
On Saturday, one hot air balloon experienced a partial fire after getting entangled with power lines and landing at a construction site in northwest Albuquerque. Thankfully, Fiesta officials reported that there were no injuries, and the fire was swiftly contained.
Earlier in the weekend, a balloon pilot with two passengers collided with a radio tower, causing it to fall near Balloon Fiesta Park. This incident marked the second time in two decades that a balloon has come into contact with that particular tower. Fortunately, the pilot and passengers landed safely, but the radio station was off the air for a period following the accident.
Additionally, a head injury was reported on Wednesday when a balloon made contact with a large tree while attempting to land at a nearby golf course. The gondola became stuck 25 feet above ground, necessitating a rescue for the two passengers on board.
On Tuesday, a balloon strike on a power line left nearly 13,000 customers in Albuquerque without power for almost an hour.
“We take every incident seriously, as safe flights are our top priority,” stated a Fiesta spokesperson. “Any accident is too many.”
The nine-day fiesta, renowned as one of the world’s most photographed events, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each fall, showcasing over 100 vibrant and uniquely shaped balloons against New Mexico’s stunning backdrop.
