On Saturday morning, two people were rescued after their hot air balloon collided with a cell tower in Longview, Texas, leaving them stranded about 920 feet above the ground. The Longview Fire Department responded just before 9 a.m. and determined the balloon’s envelope had been punctured by the sharp edges of the 1,100-foot tower. The basket, with the two passengers inside, was left swinging in the wind as it hung from the structure.
Over a dozen rescuers, many off duty at the time, climbed the tower and made contact with the passengers by 10 a.m. Officials say both individuals were conscious and didn’t suffer any injuries. Firefighters used multiple 300-foot ropes to lower the passengers to the ground one at a time during the dangerous rescue.
Longview Special Operations Lieutenant Stephen Winchell says the height, wind exposure, and heavy equipment made the operation physically demanding. He adds that the passengers were cooperative and stayed calm throughout the rescue. Afterwards, the telecom company started the work of removing the damaged balloon, while local community members brought pizza to thank the firefighters.
Source: NY POST
photo: GETTY