Hot Air Balloon Crashes Into Power Lines In Clinton; Several Injured
CLINTON (CBS) - A hot air balloon crashed into power lines on Saturday night injuring five people, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and The Clinton Item.
The crash occurred in the area of Greeley and Brook streets, according to a witness. Five people or six people on board were burned, witnesses told WBZ-TV.
"A Colt Balloon was attempting to land in a residential area near Clinton, MA when it struck a power line and caught on fire today at 7:40 p.m.," the Federal Aviation Administration told WBZ-TV.
The FAA said it would investigate the crash.
Witnesses told WBZ-TV they saw it hit the power lines and cause an explosion.
"We saw it hit the lines and the people calling 911. We're just glad everyone is ok," said Christopher Almada.
Another witness said he thought the balloon riders were dead.
"We thought they were gone," said Bob King.
As of 10:30 p.m., approximately 80 National Grid customers were without power, according to the company. They are expected to have power back by 1:30 a.m. The crash caused 600 customers to lose power, but most were restored quickly.
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