Balloon Fiesta Sees Multiple Safety Incidents

Several incidents during the opening days of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta involved balloons striking power lines or making rough landings, with no injuries reported. On Saturday, a balloon became wrapped around power lines, and crews had PNM de-energize them before safely removing its two occupants. A second power-line incident occurred Sunday near Glendale Avenue and Barstow Street, where two occupants were evacuated after the lines were secured. On Monday, crews freed one balloon caught on Albuquerque High School’s scoreboard and another snagged in a tree. Pilots had been advised to land ahead of forecast winds.