Hot air balloon pilot, passenger injured amid hard landings
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Several hot air balloon travelers received medical treatment after two hard landings at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Fiesta spokesman Tom Garrity said that a hard landing northwest of Albuquerque on Monday morning resulted in a fire and that the pilot and a passenger were hospitalized with injuries.
He says several public safety agencies are investigating. Local and state law enforcement officials had no further information.
Separately, a balloon passenger with a pre-existing medical condition received treatment at the balloon launch site after a hard landing on the field.
Another balloon landed with its fabric draped over a utility line in Albuquerque's North Valley without injuries or damage.
The annual balloon fiesta draws pilots from around the world and from more than 40 U.S. states.
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