The 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta concluded with a drone show and a flawless mass ascension on Sunday. However, the event was not without its challenges this year.
One incident occurred on Saturday when a balloon hit power lines, causing a partial fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the fire was promptly extinguished at a construction site in northwest Albuquerque.
Another mishap took place on Friday when a balloon pilot, along with two passengers, collided with a radio tower located west of Balloon Fiesta Park, causing it to collapse. This was the second time in two decades that a balloon had made contact with the same tower. Despite the crash, the pilot and passengers emerged unharmed, but the radio station was temporarily offline until Saturday.
On Wednesday, a balloon attempting to land at a golf course struck a large tree, resulting in one person sustaining a head injury. The gondola was left suspended 25 feet above the ground, requiring a rescue operation for the other two individuals on board.
Additionally, on Tuesday, a balloon incident led to nearly 13,000 customers experiencing a power outage in Albuquerque for almost an hour after the balloon made contact with a power line.
Fiesta spokesman Tom Garrity expressed concern over the incidents, emphasizing the priority of ensuring safe flights during the event. He stated, 'Safe flights are our primary goal, so any accident is too many.'
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, spanning nine days, is renowned as one of the world's most photographed events. Each fall, it attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators to New Mexico to witness over 100 brightly colored balloons, including those in special shapes.
