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Longview Today
By the People, for the People
Two Rescued After Hot Air Balloon Crashes Into 920-Foot Cell Tower in Texas
Highly technical and time-consuming rescue operation required to save passengers from dangerous height.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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Two passengers were rescued after their hot air balloon struck a 920-foot cell tower in Longview, Texas, on Saturday morning. The incident prompted a complex high-angle rescue operation by the Longview Fire Department and other agencies to reach the basket suspended at a dangerous elevation on the tower.
Why it matters
Hot air balloon accidents are relatively rare, but this incident highlights the risks and challenges associated with rescuing passengers from a precarious situation at extreme heights. The technical expertise and coordination required for this type of rescue operation underscores the importance of specialized emergency response training.
The details
According to officials, the emergency call came in around 8:15 a.m. on Saturday. Rescuers used multiple rope systems to reach the basket and make contact with the two conscious passengers around 10 a.m. The passengers were successfully pulled from the basket around 10:58 a.m. without any reported injuries. The Longview Fire Department will conduct an after-action review to evaluate the technical response.
- The incident occurred around 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2026.
- Rescuers made contact with the passengers around 10 a.m.
- The passengers were pulled from the basket around 10:58 a.m.
The players
Longview Fire Department
The local fire department that led the complex high-angle rescue operation to save the hot air balloon passengers.
What’s next
The Longview Fire Department is expected to conduct an after-action review in the coming days to debrief and evaluate the technical response to the incident.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the importance of specialized emergency response training and coordination to handle rare but high-risk situations, such as rescuing passengers from a hot air balloon crash at extreme heights. The successful outcome highlights the expertise and preparedness of the Longview Fire Department and other agencies involved.
