Yahoo News Six rescued after hot air balloon crashes into pylon 230ft above the ground in Germany
Six people have been rescued after their hot air balloon crashed into a power line pylon in western Germany and got tangled in the wires 230 ft above the ground.
The passengers were rescued last night (Sunday 31 September), and crews continued working today to bring down the remains of the balloon.
Pictures show the balloon hanging from the top of the pylon, with its material stuck in the wires.
The balloon itself came into contact with a deadly 380,000-volt power line, but the basket fortunately did not make contact with the wires.
The power company switched off the supply during the rescue.
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Germany’s DPA news agency said that the balloon hit the pylon on Sunday evening and deflated.
The incident occurred near the city of Bottrop, north-west of Essen.
Rescue workers were able to climb up and secured the basket, then brought down the passengers in a five-hour operation.
All six were uninjured, but were taken to a hospital for observation as a precaution.
It is not yet clear what caused the collision.
Additional reporting by the Press Association
