Street light damaged during hot air balloon incident in Shrewsbury
A street light was damaged by a hot air balloon in Shrewsbury yesterday evening during a controlled maneuver after it landed in a locked school playing field.
The Virgin balloon carrying 16 passengers and pilot, took off from Battlefield, Shrewsbury, at 17:40 in fine conditions. The balloon drifted south over the town and, after the usual hour’s flight, the wind calmed, and the experienced pilot performed a safe, upright landing in the Wakeman School playing field.
After landing it became clear the field had security fencing and gates with no way for passengers or the balloon to exit. The balloon ground crew, who arrived soon afterwards, contacted local police to see if they could assist and they attended, but there was no access.
A Virgin Balloons spokesperson said: “Rather than risk flying on and potentially becoming stranded over the town, the pilot decided to hop the balloon over the fence into the neighbouring park.
“Using a technique which is commonly practiced in ballooning, the balloon was walked to the fence and slowly hovered over with the assistance of a rope attached to a retrieve vehicle. Unfortunately, during this process, the rope became caught on a tree and a lamppost was damaged.”
No one was hurt during the incident and after the balloon was deflated, at around 20:30, passengers were transported back to Battlefield where they had the usual champagne toast before heading home.
Arrangements are being made with the council to ensure the lamppost is repaired as soon as possible.
Local police are also being thanked for their assistance.
