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Hot Air Balloon Accident Leaves Pair Dangling 900 Feet

3/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

A hot air balloon accident occurred near Longview, Texas, on Saturday morning.
The balloon struck a 1,000-foot communications tower, leaving the pilot and passenger dangling about 900 feet above ground.
Rescuers faced scaling the tower, the height of 80- to 100-story buildings, to reach and secure the balloonists.
Longview, known as the Balloon Capital of Texas, hosts ballooning competitions.
The rescuers were inexperienced with such heights, yet they proceeded with determination.

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Story summary

A hot air balloon accident occurred near Longview, Texas, on Saturday morning.
The balloon struck a 1,000-foot communications tower, leaving the pilot and passenger dangling about 900 feet above ground.
Rescuers faced scaling the tower, the height of 80- to 100-story buildings, to reach and secure the balloonists.
Longview, known as the Balloon Capital of Texas, hosts ballooning competitions.
The rescuers were inexperienced with such heights, yet they proceeded with determination.