The pilot of a hot air balloon that drifted into the Sky River Casino in Elk Grove on Monday was uninjured, according to a release by the Elk Grove Police Department.
The department said the balloon struck the side of the building and also came into contact with a power line. It came to rest in a nearby field, the release said.
Police said the balloon “made an unplanned launch from Sky River Casino due to unexpected winds.”
Video by KCRA3 shows the balloon basket tipping as it struck the side of the casino. The pilot could be seen igniting the burners as it drifted over the roof of the building. The balloon was part of a groundbreaking event for a new hotel, according to KCRA3.
Weather information from the nearest airport, Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC), at the time of the incident shows visual flight conditions with winds gusting between 3 mph and 7mph. Wind speeds of 12 mph gusting to 20 mph were recorded at Executive a few hours after the Elk Grove incident.
Authorities did not immediately release the name of the pilot or the business that operated the balloon.
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