Hot-air balloon lands on Northampton road causing traffic 'mayhem'
Controlled landing came after wind 'dropped out completely' over Hunsbury
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Traffic was brought to a standstill on Hilldrop Road In Hunsbury, Northhampton on Friday evening when a hot-air balloon was forced to make an emergency landing in the middle of the street.
Pilot Matt Rate told how he "caused mayhem" with the landing, which he insisted was "controlled" and not a crash.
"I had no choice [as the] wind dropped out completely over east Hunsbury," he explained on Twitter, as photos of the balloon sat squarely in the middle of the road flooded the social network.
Rate thanked Northhamptonshire Police for their help in dealing with the traffic while the Lindstrand balloon was cleared away, writing: "Caused mayhem in the #hotairballoon tonight, #precisionlanding #northampton @NorthantsPolice thank you for assisting!"
Police have yet to comment on the incident.
This is not the first inflatable to cause havoc on Britain's roads the past year, with a giant beach ball breaking free on Old Street roundabout in London late last year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments