A hot-air balloon incident caused a brief power outage during the Albuquerque balloon fiesta on Monday, with nearly 13,000 utility customers affected by the disruption. The mishap occurred when the balloon bumped into a power line in northeast Albuquerque, according to authorities. The outage lasted for about an hour following the incident.
This incident took place on the third day of the 52nd annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The state’s primary electricity provider, Public Service Company of New Mexico, reported that the collision happened at 8:35 a.m. and impacted 12,730 customers. Fortunately, the balloon was able to land safely, and no injuries were reported among those on board.
As of now, there is no information available regarding the specific cause of the incident. The balloon fiesta is renowned as one of the most photographed events globally, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators to New Mexico every autumn to witness over 100 balloons, including special shapes, taking flight.
The balloon fiesta organisers confirmed that the hot-air balloon involved in the incident landed without further complications. This annual event is a significant attraction that draws enthusiasts and tourists from around the world, contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry of the region.