Three Injured as Balloons Make Hard Landings in Allegany County

State Troopers say three people were injured when two balloons were caught in unusual weather conditions in Allegany County...and ended up making hard landings.

Both balloons got caught in "thermals," or columns of rising air. The pilots cut down the burners to keep from rising too high, but then both balloons flew out of the rising air and began to fall before the pilots could regain control.

Troopers say one balloon was carrying eight people, one of whom suffered a leg injury when the balloon came down off Mills Road. Two of the four passengers in the second balloon were thrown out of the basket when it hit the ground too hard. Both of them suffered minor head injuries. All three are recovering.

The FAA is investigating.


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