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By Kevin Hendricks, Sandoval Signpost
The Rio Rancho Police Department said that officers responded to a hot air balloon crash early Wednesday morning.
According to RRPD, the balloon crashed as it was attempting to land on the old golf course.
“The balloon struck a large tree in an open field suspending the gondola approximately 25 feet above the ground,” RRPD said. “The gondola was occupied by two people at the time of the crash. Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue responded with a ladder truck, and were able to safely remove the occupants from the suspended gondola.”
One occupant of the balloon was transported to an area hospital with injuries that were not life threatening. The Federal Aviation Administration and New Mexico State Police were both notified and responded to the crash, according to RRPD.
“We would like to thank the members of the community who assisted this morning,” RRPD posted on social media. “We are thankful the pilot and occupant were not seriously injured. We wish them a speedy recovery and hope they are flying again soon.”