Nine escape injury after hot air balloon hits power lines

16 hours ago

CALGARY (CP) — A hot air balloon was still touching electrical wires when emergency crews arrived, forcing the pilot and eight startled passengers to wait several minutes trapped in the balloon until utility workers could secure the power lines.

There were no injuries after a gust of wind pushed the balloon into the wires next to an open field where the pilot was preparing to land at the end of the flight.

There have been two tragic balloon accidents in Canada this year, including the death of a mother and daughter after a balloon carrying 13 people went up in flames last month shortly after launching in Surrey B.C.

Eleven others were injured in the crash that was flashed around the world when graphic photos and video were posted showing the balloon plummet to earth before crashing in a ball of fire in a busy trailer park.

Two people were badly burned in Manitoba a month ago after a balloon carrying a dozen people crashed and burned.

Transport Canada is now investigating all three incidents.

Hot air balloon hits Calgary powerline

Vancouver Sun

Published:

By Sarah Chapman

CALGARY - A hot air balloon ride took an unexpected turn when it collided with a power line on Saturday morning.

Eight passengers and the pilot escaped injury after a gust of wind blew the balloon into the lines near Seton Boulevard in southeast Calgary.

"It was a slow flight then all of a sudden there was a gust of wind," said pilot Dennis Myrthu.

"I think we're very fortunate. I was mostly concerned about the passengers."

Around 8:30 a.m., Myrthu began to land the balloon in a field near a gravel road, but once he neared the ground, the wind picked up and swung the balloon into the lines.

The brightly-coloured canopy became tangled in the lines.

"I've had incidents that I could have done without over the years, but I've never encountered a power line," said the pilot with 30 years' experience.

"But if you're going to hit a power line, this is probably the best case scenario."

CanWest News Service