2/28/2026 Balloon v tower Longview Tx nonfatal

[Let'sgoflying!]

920' in the air

Two passengers rescued after hot air balloon crash into Texas cell tower leaves them dangling 920 feet up

The Longview Fire Department said it took over an hour to climb to the height of the hot air balloon to rescue the two occupants.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[3393RP]

It's fortunate they survived.

My wife and I were discussing this 2016 balloon collision with power lines just yesterday. It killed 15 passengers and the pilot, who was under the influence of several drugs.

2016 Lockhart hot air balloon crash - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[diabolical]

That had to be quite the challenging rescue as well as clearing the wreckage safely afterwards. Wouldn’t have been very safe for the ground personnel as the gondola, propane tanks and such came a’tumblin’ down!! Retired FF and minor level mountain climber and I wouldn’t have looked forward to that equipment recovery after the occupants were rescued. Ground support crew were at risk also if they had to be close enough to tend lines during lowering!!!