A hot air balloon made an emergency landing on a highway median in Vermont after experiencing flight difficulties. With five individuals onboard for a sunset ride on Wednesday evening, the pilot successfully brought the craft down on the median of Interstate 91 in Hartford, as reported by the Valley News.
Witnesses observed the balloon hovering around 30 feet (approximately nine meters) above the road before its landing, confirmed by the Hartford Fire Department.
Traffic was briefly halted for about 20 minutes during the landing procedure.
In a statement, Quechee Balloon Rides stated, “The pilot-in-command of the aircraft made a precautionary decision as sunset was nearing to land safely rather than taking unnecessary risk.
Our team informed local authorities and officials prior to landing of our intentions so they could assist in ensuring a safe landing.”
Balloonist Chris Ritland skillfully managed to land the balloon in the median, avoiding any complications, as acknowledged by the Hartford Fire Department.
Two years ago, a tragic incident occurred in Bradford, Vermont, where a hot air balloon pilot and designer lost their life after becoming entangled in gear under the basket and subsequently falling into a field.