CASS COUNTY, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A hot air balloon struck and snapped a power distribution line in rural Cass County on Wednesday, February 4.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office was called to the 4500 block of 135th Avenue SE, around 11:30 a.m after Cass County Electric Cooperative reported the downed line.
Preliminary information gathered on scene indicates that the operator of the hot air balloon was part of a group conducting practice runs with a goal to set a new world record for travel in a homemade airship.
Officials say during takeoff around 8:30 a.m., wind began pushing the airship before the pilot could get enough air into the balloon to gain altitude.
Officials say no injuries were reported as a result of the incident, but Cass County Electric has completed approximately $1,000 in repairs to the affected line.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is assisting with the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the event. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
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