Two passengers rescued after hot air balloon crash into Texas cell tower leaves them dangling 920 feet up

Two Passengers Rescued After Hot Air Balloon Crash Into Texas Cell Tower

A hot air balloon incident in Longview, Texas, on Saturday resulted in the rescue of two individuals who were stranded 920 feet above ground after colliding with a cellphone tower. The Longview Fire Department confirmed both occupants are alert and uninjured, though the rescue operation remains active. The department described the effort as a “high angle rescue,” highlighting its complexity and elevated altitude.

Firefighters arrived at the scene at 8:15 AM and spent over an hour ascending to the balloon’s height to retrieve the passengers. Operations commenced at approximately 8:50 AM, utilizing multiple rope systems to navigate the challenging terrain and high elevation. Rescuers established contact with the two individuals around 10 a.m., marking a critical milestone in the ongoing mission.

“Climbing operations began around 8:50 AM using multiple rope systems due to the extreme height and complexity of the incident,” the fire department shared on Facebook.

The department emphasized the rescue as “a highly technical and time-consuming operation,” underscoring the meticulous planning required. Isabel Yip, an NBC News associate, reported the incident.