Albuquerque: Giant Zia Hot Air Balloon Crashes into Power LinesAlbuquerque: Giant Zia Hot Air Balloon Crashes into Power Lines Albuquerque, New Mexico – A massive hot air balloon depicting the iconic Zia symbol of the state of New Mexico crashed into power lines on Saturday morning near Sandia Peak Tramway. The balloon, operated by Rainbow Ryders, was carrying 24 passengers and a pilot when it struck the lines at approximately 7:30 am. The balloon’s basket was entangled in the wires, causing a power outage in the surrounding area. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and safely evacuated all of the passengers and the pilot. No serious injuries were reported. According to witnesses, the balloon had just taken off from Balloon Fiesta Park when it drifted towards the power lines. Strong winds in the area may have contributed to the incident. PNM, the local utility company, is working to restore power to the affected areas. The company said that it may take several hours to complete the repairs. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the crash. The balloon has been removed from the lines and is being inspected for damage. The Zia hot air balloon is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is held annually in October. The balloon has been a fixture at the event for over 30 years. The crash has raised concerns about the safety of hot air ballooning. However, officials say that the incident was an isolated event and that hot air ballooning remains a safe activity.