Albuquerque: Giant Balloon Explodes over Fiesta Grounds, Injuring Bystanders

Giant Balloon Explodes over Fiesta Grounds, Injuring BystandersGiant Balloon Explodes over Fiesta Grounds, Injuring Bystanders Albuquerque, NM — A massive hot air balloon exploded over the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta grounds on Saturday, injuring several bystanders. The incident occurred just after sunrise, as the balloon was attempting to lift off. Witnesses described hearing a loud bang followed by a burst of flames. “It was like a bomb went off,” said one onlooker. “The balloon just ripped apart and rained down debris.” Eyewitnesses say at least five people were injured, including a child with serious burns. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and transported the victims to local hospitals. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the cause of the explosion. The balloon, named “Captain Kangaroo,” was one of several hundred that participate in the annual Fiesta. The Fiesta is the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. This year’s event marked the 50th anniversary of the festival. In the aftermath of the explosion, the Fiesta was temporarily suspended while safety inspections were conducted. Organizers said the event would resume with increased safety measures in place. “The safety of our guests and participants is our top priority,” said Fiesta Executive Director Paul Boudreaux. “We are deeply saddened by this incident and we will do everything we can to prevent anything like this from happening again.” The Albuquerque Fire Department put out the following statement about the incident: > “_The Albuquerque Fire Department was dispatched to the scene of a hot air balloon accident at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta at approximately 6:45 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2022. Upon arrival, firefighters found a large hot air balloon that had exploded, injuring five people. Two of the victims were transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital, one with serious burn injuries. Three other victims were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.”_