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Watch: Texas firefighters rescue balloonists stuck on cell phone tower

The balloon struck a cell phone tower in northern Gregg County, leaving two occupants stranded hundreds of feet above the ground

LONGVIEW, Texas — Firefighters in Longview, Texas, rescued two people after their hot air balloon became snagged on a cell phone tower, officials said.

The incident happened around 8:15 a.m. in northern Gregg County on Feb. 28 when the balloon struck the tower at an estimated 920 feet above the ground, leaving the two occupants trapped until crews reached them, FOX 4 reported.

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Firefighters began the rescue and made contact with the trapped hot air balloon occupants around 10 a.m., officials said.

Both people in the balloon basket were conscious and uninjured.

Firefighters said crews used multiple rope systems due to the height and complexity of the rescue.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.