ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Opening weekend of the 54th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta included multiple balloon-related incidents that required responses from emergency crews, though no serious injuries were reported.
The latest incident occurred Sunday morning near Barstow Street and Glendale Avenue Northeast, where a hot air balloon struck a power line with two people still inside the basket. Albuquerque Fire Rescue, New Mexico State Police, and PNM crews responded to the scene and safely removed the occupants after power was secured. Authorities said neither person was injured.
The incident followed a separate emergency response Saturday involving another balloon that became entangled in power lines.
Despite the incidents, Fiesta events continued as scheduled throughout the weekend, drawing large crowds and hundreds of balloons to Albuquerque’s skies.
As Balloon Fiesta enters its first full week, officials are reminding both pilots and spectators to prioritize safety. Pilots are encouraged to remain aware of changing wind conditions and obstacles during launches and landings, while visitors are urged to stay alert around launch and landing zones and follow directions from event staff and public safety personnel.
Balloon Fiesta remains one of Albuquerque’s largest annual events, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world and filling the skies with hundreds of balloons during morning and evening sessions.
