Hot air balloon blown off course; makes an emergency landing at Palakkad

A giant elephant-shaped hot air balloon made an emergency landing in a paddy field at Mullanthode near Kannimari, Palakkad district, on Tuesday, after being carried off course by strong winds during the 10th International Balloon Festival in Pollachi.

The balloon, launched from Achipatti ground in Pollachi, was carrying two young girls and was being piloted by a foreign couple. Reportedly, the girls were not wearing safety equipment during the flight. The balloon, which was initially set to land three kilometers from its launch site, drifted 30 kilometers before touching down in the paddy field allegedly due to technical glitches. All on board, including the pilots and children, were unharmed.

Local residents gathered at the site to assist. With help from the event organisers and locals, the pilots and children were rescued, and the balloon and basket were safely taken back to Pollachi.

Event organisers told journalists that the safety measures were in place and that the pilots followed all required protocols.

Published - January 15, 2025 07:35 pm IST