During a heart-stopping rescue in Longview, Texas, two individuals were saved after their hot air balloon collided with a cell tower, leaving them hanging nearly 1,000 feet above the ground.
The Longview Fire Department initiated a “high angle rescue” after a rainbow hot air balloon got entangled on a cell tower just before 9 a.m.
The balloon’s envelope was punctured by the tower’s sharp edges, causing it to dangle approximately 920 feet above the ground.
Photos shared by the fire department depicted the balloon trapped in the tower’s bars while the basket, containing the two individuals, swung back and forth in the wind.
Fourteen rescuers, including on and off-duty responders, climbed the tower and reached the victims by 10 a.m. Both individuals were conscious and did not report any injuries from the crash.
Using multiple 300-foot ropes, first responders safely extracted the passengers from the hot air balloon basket, lowering them down “rope by rope” to the ground.
According to Longview Special Operations Lieutenant Stephen Winchell, the rescue operation was physically demanding but went smoothly considering the challenges involved.
Winchell described the rescue as the “Super Bowl of rope rescues” due to the logistical complexities and height of the tower. He commended the passengers for remaining calm and cooperative throughout the ordeal.
The incident attracted a large crowd, with spectators setting up lawn chairs to witness the hours-long rescue operation.
Local construction company Tower King II will dismantle the remains of the balloon, starting with lowering the basket and propane tank back to the ground.
The heroic efforts of the firemen and emergency responders were acknowledged, and they were treated to free pizza as a token of appreciation.
“Never expected, but always appreciated,” the fire department expressed their gratitude on Facebook.
“Your support means everything after a day like today,” they added.
