March 21, 2024

MNDOT camera catches hot air balloon crash near Highway 63

Steve Smith

A hot air balloon crash near a Minnesota highway was caught on camera by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) on Wednesday morning.

The crash: The incident, which took place just before 7 a.m. near Highway 63, occurred when a gust of wind forced the balloon into power lines as the operator tried to land in a field.

After hitting the power line, the balloon's basket detached, sending its three passengers falling 20-30 feet to the ground. The crash also sparked a brush fire.

Injuries: Two of the passengers sustained very minor injuries as a result of the fall.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the accident.

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