Community Chat

[gertrudecloset]

about the hot air ballon crash.  I've read a small bit as it is just breaking here.  At least four people died?

[On It]

I am currently in New Mexico and saw the breaking news report concerning the crash this morning. There were 4 killed and one person seriously injured. The first responders think the basket hit power lines and came apart from the balloon. Power is off to about 13,000 people while the scene is being secured. The power company felt it was too dangerous to restore power at once. The reporter asked about identities of the victims, but the information indicated they ranged from 40's to 60's in age. It was unknown if they were local or tourists.

[Kachina624]

@gertrudecloset    I'll have to plead ignorance.  I haven't had the TV or radio on and just read about it on the CNN website where there's a good report.  It happened on the South side of town and I live North of the city.  Sounds like a fifth person may not make it. 

I keep my feet firmly on the ground. 

[just bee]

Four were killed, one was hospitalized.  That individual, unfortunately, did not survive.

The envelope separated from the gondola and the gondola hit power lines.  These accidents are rare but when it happens... well, it's just awful.

[gertrudecloset]

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@On It wrote:

I am currently in New Mexico and saw the breaking news report concerning the crash this morning. There were 4 killed and one person seriously injured. The first responders think the basket hit power lines and came apart from the balloon. Power is off to about 13,000 people while the scene is being secured. The power company felt it was too dangerous to restore power at once. The reporter asked about identities of the victims, but the information indicated they ranged from 40's to 60's in age. It was unknown if they were local or tourists.

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@On ItI just went to check my email and saw it as a breaking news story.  Since, I don't live anywhere near there I thought, those in the area might know more.  Thanks @Kachina624 .

Thanks for the summary thus far. 

[On It]

@gertrudecloset  New Mexico news for most of the state is provided by the Albuquerque TV stations. I am currently 3 hours south of Albuquerque but our cable tv was tuned to the ABC station when they broke in with the news of the crash. They had a team on the way to the site. Once the team arrived they again broke in with the story's limited details. Identities of the victims were a big concern but no information was available.

[gertrudecloset]

I'll check out some of the larger news channels (nationwide).  USA Today might have some info too....

Thanks @On It . 

[Kachina624]

@just bee    Remember when they had a similar bad accident years ago and people were killed?  

I had been visiting my parents and left to drive back to Texas.  When I got to Coors Blvd. across from Target, where there was then a vacant lot, there were people getting into the largest gondola I'd ever seen.  I sat at a red light and watched them.  They were laughing and having a great time.  That was the balloon that crashed. 

[FancyPhillyshopper]

So very, very sad.  Flying in a balloon was one of the very first tourist things I had to do when I visited New Mexico and Arizona. Floating in the sky is so peaceful and quiet, and the world looks tranquil and small from up in the clouds.  The pilot regulates the flow of air/gas and watches the direction of travel.  I know it is a very popular pastime.  I even had a friend in New Mexico who received her balloon pilot's license.  They always try to be very cautious with all procedures.

Yet any sport/activity can have an element of danger.  Getting in and out of that gondola can be a little tricky. A sudden gust of wind can send the balloon off course, unfortunately.

 I send my condolences to the victims and their families.

[patbz]

Believe it or not, my city of 11000 is trying to have a gallon festival this weekend.  They tried in 2019 but it rained.  Looks like it may rain this afternoon and/ or tomorrow.  Why would they plan such an event during monsoon season?