Retired firefighter recalls Smokey Bear balloon crash in New Mexico 20 years later

VIDEO: It's been 20 years since Smokey Bear struck a 670-foot radio tower west of Balloon Fiesta Park on Oct. 10, 2004. The hot air balloon became entangled in the 50,000-watt tower with two children and their pilot inside. Retired Los Ranchos Fire Department Lt. Dan Barela recalls the horrors of the incident when he and a PNM worker rescued all three inside.
- PUB DATE: 10/14/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOAT-TV ABC 7 Albuquerque