Canadian National train collides with hot air balloon
Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
A hot air balloon crashed into a Canadian National freight train this week.
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While a subject like this is not within our normal purview of coverage, the unusual nature of it is worth reporting.
A hot air balloon collided with a Canadian National train this week, causing series injuries to the occupants of the balloon.
Here is a press release from the City of Burlington, Wis. police department:
“On June 1, 2022,at 8:15PM, City of Burlington Police responded to the 400 block of Calumet Street for the report of a hot air balloon struck by a train.
“Members from the City of Burlington Fire Department, Village of Waterford Fire Department, Rochester Fire Department, and Kansasville Fire Department responded to assist in providing care for the three injured occupants in the hot air balloon. The three adult occupants sustained life-threatening injuries.
“Flight for Life (a helicopter ambulance service) was requested and transported two of the three patients to Froedtert Hospital for treatment. The third patient was ground transported via ambulance to Froedtert.
“Early reports from witnesses on scene indicate the hot air balloon appeared in distress and collided with a Northbound Canadian National Train.
“The City of Burlington Police Department is conducting a collaborative investigation with members from The National Traffic Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, Canadian National,and the Wisconsin State Patrol to determine cause. This is an active investigation.
“Anyone who may have additional information on the accident is encouraged to contact the Burlington Police Department’s Detective Bureau at 262-342-1104 or via email at [email protected] Burlington Police Report #22-5105.
“In addition to all fire personnel, we would like to thank the Canadian National Police, Racine County Sheriff’s Department, and our Racine County Communications Center for their assistance.”
Trains Magazine News Wire reports that the engineer, Bruce Rogers, saw the incident evolve, and said “the worst thing is watching it unfold and not be able to do anything about it.” According to Trains, Rogers also said “he saw a hot air balloon caught by freight cars and dragged along the Canadian National right-of-way through Burlington, Wis. He says the balloon’s basket and the people in it went from a “dead stop to 30 miles an hour.”
RT&S will continue to report on this story as developments warrant.
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