Balloonists Left Stranded

26 March 2012, 10:23 | Updated: 26 March 2012, 10:32

Three people have been rescued after their hot air balloon got tangled in electric power lines in Northamptonshire.

The three were left suspended in their basket 45ft in the air for several hours, because it took time for the emergency services to make sure the lines had been switched off and were no longer live.

The crash happened around 6.10pm on Sunday 25 March 2012 between Wollaston and Bozeat, a few miles south of Wellingborough.

The passengers suffered minor burns.  They also had to be treated for the effects of exposure to the cold.

UK Power Networks said just two customers, who take electricity directly from the high-voltage network, lost power due to the incident.

A spokesman for the firm said: "We had engineers on site, working in conjunction with the neighbouring electricity distribution company, shortly after the collision.

"We also worked with the emergency services to ensure the lines were safe before the occupants of the basket could be brought down."