Two rescued after hot air balloon hits Albuquerque power lines

Emergency crews helped two people out of a hot air balloon basket in Albuquerque on Sunday morning. Rescuers arrived after the craft struck an electrical line. Neither rider reported any injuries.

Albuquerque Fire Rescue units went to Barstow Street and Glendale Avenue Northeast at about 8:45 a.m. Two occupants were trapped inside the basket. Both riders remained unharmed, according to the agency.

New Mexico State Police officers secured the surrounding scene. Utility workers from PNM arrived quickly. They cut the electricity to the line.

Firefighters removed the fabric envelope. Crews eliminated the surrounding hazards. Rescuers took both people out of the basket. They escorted them to safety.

This event was the second wire collision of the weekend. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta opened on Saturday. Another aircraft tangled in utility wires during that flight.

Emergency responders often secure the area around downed lines to protect the public. Utility technicians isolate the electrical current before emergency crews approach the equipment.

Multiple Albuquerque agencies assisted during the incident on Sunday.