Hot air balloon makes emergency landing on I-4 in Osceola County

FHP: Balloon with 20 people on board blown off course due to high winds

A hot-air balloon lands next to I-4 in Polk County.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A hot air balloon with 20 people on board made an emergency landing on Interstate 4 in Osceola County on Friday after the balloon was blown off course, officials say.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the balloon landed on the eastbound I-4 ramp from Champions Gate at 8:15 a.m.

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The balloon operator, 55-year-old Patrick Schmitt, told troopers that the balloon was blown off course by high winds.

No injuries were reported and no car crashes occurred when the balloon landed, troopers said.

The on-ramp remains open to drivers.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.


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