Hot air balloon collides with power lines in Presque Isle

2 days ago

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — No one was injured when a hot air balloon collided with power lines Saturday morning in Presque Isle.

Public safety crews responded to Higgins Road after receiving the report at about 7:08 a.m. Smoke was reportedly showing at the scene. Paid-call department members were already at the site and blocked off the area to restrict access, according to the Presque Isle Fire Department.

A hot air balloon collided with power lines on Higgins Road in Presque Isle after colliding with power lines Saturday morning, Aug. 29, 2026, during the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival. No injuries were reported. Credit: Courtesy of Presque Isle Fire Department

Emergency crews had to navigate through crowds of spectators and vehicles lining the road to reach the downed balloon, as large numbers of people were in the area for the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival this weekend.

Fire officials warned that the incident had significant potential for serious injury to the balloon crew, spectators and bystanders, and reminded the public to never approach downed or damaged power lines.