Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Wraps Up with Drone Show and Mass Ascension
- The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta concluded with a drone show and mass ascension on Sunday.
- Several incidents occurred during the event, including a balloon catching fire and a collision with a radio tower.
- Fiesta officials expressed concern over safety, emphasizing that any accidents are too many.
The 52nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, concluded with a drone show and a successful mass ascension on Sunday. However, the event faced several incidents that raised safety concerns. On Saturday, a balloon caught fire after colliding with power lines and landing at a construction site, though no injuries were reported. Earlier in the week, a balloon pilot struck a radio tower, causing it to collapse, but all aboard were unharmed. Additionally, a passenger suffered a head injury when a balloon hit a tree during landing, necessitating a rescue operation. On Tuesday, a balloon's contact with a power line left nearly 13,000 customers without electricity for about an hour. Fiesta officials emphasized the importance of safety, stating that any accidents are concerning. The event, which attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators each year, showcases over 100 colorful balloons and is one of the most photographed events globally.