Denver: Hot Air Balloons Crash To Ground
At least five people are hurt in the accidents in Denver, Colorado, amid reports of high wind speeds.
3:12am Sunday 09 June 2013
One of the balloons crashed near highways 72 and 93. Pic: Arvada Fire Dept
At least five people have been injured after four hot air balloons crashed to the ground on the outskirts of Denver, Colorado.
The accidents all happened within miles and about an hour of each other on Saturday amid reports of high wind speeds.
One person was injured when one of the balloons hit power lines and sparked a small fire, police in the suburb of Arvada said.
Three people were in the basket when the balloon crashed near the intersection of state highways 72 and 93 at about 8am local time.
After hitting the ground, the balloon was reportedly dragged about 300ft into power lines.
Another balloon went down in Boulder County, according to Denver TV station KUSA-TV.
The balloon's basket hit the ground hard and was dragged along for about 50 yards before coming to rest.
A third crash was reported in Louisville, but authorities say no one was injured.
And a fourth balloon went down in the Rocky Flats area south of Boulder.
Gusty winds were reported to have swept the area on Saturday morning, but it is unclear if strong winds were to blame for the crashes and an investigation is under way.
The extent of the victims' injuries was not immediately known.
