Overview
- Fire crews responded around 8:15 a.m. Saturday in north Gregg County near State Highway 300 and FM 1844.
- The Longview Fire Department led a high-angle rescue that used multiple rope systems due to the tower’s extreme height.
- Climbing operations began about 8:50 a.m., and rescuers made contact with the occupants at approximately 10 a.m.
- The balloon was believed to be about 920 feet up when it hit the tower, according to the fire department.
- Authorities said the circumstances of the collision remain under investigation.