A startling video from the Bristol Balloon Fiesta captures the moment a hot air balloon inadvertently strikes the roof of a primary school.
On the first day of the much-anticipated event, held this Friday morning, around 90 balloons ascended into the sky. However, shifting winds caused one balloon—branded with JLL—to veer dangerously close to rooftops in the Knowle West area after taking off from the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta site.
At approximately 7 a.m., a local resident recorded the unsettling incident as the balloon came into contact with the roof of Oasis Academy Connaught. The balloon basket appeared to tip precariously, causing concern that the passengers might fall out. Fortunately, no injuries occurred.
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A spokesperson for the festival commented, “During this morning’s spectacular mass ascent, one balloon clipped a roof as it was landing. Thankfully, all passengers landed safely, and we look forward to an excellent Fiesta weekend.”
Stephanie, a 22-year-old lash technician who captured the video, recounted, “I thought that balloon was flying really low, so I started recording. The basket looked like it was tilting— it seemed like people might fall out. It must have been frightening.”
The footage shows the balloon making contact with the roof with an audible bang, causing the canopy to ripple. The basket briefly drags over the roof tiles as the burner activates to keep the balloon airborne, allowing it to regain altitude and avoid further collision.
The school has been approached for comment, but as the incident occurred during summer holidays, no lessons were disrupted.