Cass County, N.D. (trfnews.i234.me) A hot air balloon hit a power line in rural Cass County on Wednesday. A deputy was sent out at about 11:30 a.m. The call came from the 4500 block of 135th Avenue SE. Cass County Electric Cooperative reported a snapped distribution line. No injuries were reported.
What happened
Deputies say the balloon made contact with an overhead power line. The line broke after the impact. The balloon landed without further incident. Officials did not release the balloon’s launch point. They also did not say how many people were on board.
Damage and response
The electric cooperative estimated about $1,000 in repairs. That number includes materials and crew time. Utility crews worked to make the area safe. A snapped distribution line can be dangerous on the ground. Authorities urged people to stay away from downed lines.
Investigation
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. Deputies documented the scene and spoke with those involved. Officials did not name the balloon operator. No citations or charges were announced in the initial report. The investigation remains open.
Why was the balloon there
The sheriff’s office says the operator is part of a team doing practice flights. The group is preparing a homemade airship for a record attempt. Officials said the goal is a world record for distance travel. The sheriff’s office also shared a video on social media.
Safety reminder
Power lines are a known hazard for balloon crews. Visibility and wind shifts can change fast. The FAA publishes safety tips for balloon operations. You can read the FAA handout here: Balloon Safety Tips (PDF).
How to follow updates
Updates may be posted by the sheriff’s office. The electric cooperative may also share repair information. Residents in the area may have seen utility trucks near the site. Officials did not release outage details. If you have video or photos, contact local authorities.
External resources
- Cass County Sheriff’s Office (Facebook)
- Cass County Electric Cooperative
- FAA Balloon Safety Tips (PDF)
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.