Balloon strikes, damages power lines near Crown of Maine Balloon Fest
Police say no injuries reported, FAA notified
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine (WAGM) - The Presque Isle Police Department confirmed a hot air balloon giving tours struck and damaged power lines on Higgins Road Saturday morning, near the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest launch site.
Police said no one was injured, either on the ground or in the balloon.
An eyewitness told WAGM they saw a festival balloon hit a power line along Higgins Road, roughly three miles from the fairgrounds launch area.
The incident was partially captured on a dashcam, which shows a large amount of smoke in the area.
Police, fire crews and ambulances were dispatched to the scene. The ambulances later left without emergency lights activated.
The power lines were damaged, and Versant Power was called to repair them. The Presque Isle Police Department contacted the FAA to alert them of the incident.
Other balloons from the festival appeared to land safely in nearby fields, according to a reporter on scene.
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