Residents Evacuated, No Injuries Reported

A KKOB Radio Tower went down on October 11 after being hit by a hot air balloon. The incident occurred near Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico, shortly after the launch of the annual Balloon Fiesta and Special Shapes Rodeo.

According to Bernalillo County Fire Rescue (BCFR), the hot air balloon struck one of the tower’s around 8:45 am. Deputies and FAA agents were able to track the balloon in flight and met the occupants after they safely touched down in a residential yard.

The balloon involved in the incident, dubbed “Blue Moon”, belongs to Foolish Pleasure hot air balloon rides. Balloon Fiesta officials confirmed that the balloon was flying under banner #028. Three individuals were aboard, including pilot Dan Ewer of Tucson, Arizona.

In the aftermath, power to the collapsed tower was shut down and residents within a 1,000-foot radius were evacuated. BCFR secured the site with fencing and stationed security to ensure that bystanders kept their distance.

No injuries were reported, and the incident was caught on camera by a local business.

“With all things considered, I think we were very lucky on how this ended today,” stated William Harris, who works with BCFR. "This isn't a thing that happens every day, and we have a lot of people on scene.”

The investigation is being handled by the New Mexico State Police, the FAA, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). In the meantime, authorities are hoping that the second impacted tower remains upright.

Annette Santiago-Kitts, who lives near the tower, witnessed the crash. She stated: “I figured something bad happened. I actually thought it was a fire at first, because, you know, it’s dry, and the balloons are crashing… So I didn’t really realize it was the tower and, you know, they had hit the tower again.”

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta began on October 5. The annual event includes competitions, exhibitions, skydiving, light shows, and other performances.

FMI: www.balloonfiesta.com