Home / Disasters and Accidents / Carnival Continues After Hot Air Balloon Mishap Injures Three
Carnival Continues After Hot Air Balloon Mishap Injures Three
26 Jul
Summary
- Three people were injured when a hot air balloon basket toppled before launch.
- A carnival worker fell approximately 15 to 25 feet while trying to secure the balloon.
- The carnival benefits the Shop with a Cop program and is hosted by Cambria County Crime Stoppers.
A multi-day carnival in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, hosted by Cambria County Crime Stoppers, proceeded with its scheduled events on Friday, July 26, 2026. This continued despite an incident on Thursday evening where a hot air balloon basket tipped over before liftoff, resulting in injuries to three people.
The mishap occurred at The Johnstown Galleria in Richland Township when a strong gust of wind toppled the tethered balloon basket. Two individuals inside sustained minor injuries. A carnival worker was also injured after falling from the tether, reportedly between 15 and 25 feet, as he attempted to control the balloon.
The carnival aims to support the "Shop with Cop" program, which pairs underprivileged children with law enforcement for holiday shopping. The organization stated that the hot air balloon rides were operated by an independent vendor, Lehigh Valley Hot Air, and not by the carnival organizers.
