Overview
- Two occupants were safely lowered on Saturday after their hot-air balloon became entangled high on a Longview communications tower, with no injuries reported.
- Longview Fire Department teams climbed the structure, fitted the pair with harnesses, and conducted a complex rope descent that lasted several hours.
- Both passengers were transported to a hospital as a precaution following the rescue, officials said.
- Tower King rigged the tower on Sunday, lashed the basket to prevent movement, and prioritized securing onboard propane before beginning Monday’s staged takedown.
- Crews plan to lower the basket and shredded envelope in sections using pulley and wire-rope systems, then inspect the tower for component damage as the FAA opens an investigation into the Cameron Z-77 balloon.