Incident Overview
According to the pilot, the balloon was inflated and weigh-off procedures were completed. As ground handlers walked the balloon, an increase in wind velocity caused the basket to be pulled free from their grasp. The gondola was dragged across the ground for approximately 100 yards, during which it collided with a portable stage, went up and over the stage's roof, and then collided with a tow truck. A passenger fell out of the basket before the balloon became airborne.
Landing
After becoming airborne, the balloon successfully landed about 13 miles north of the takeoff site.
Weather Conditions
A National Weather Service forecaster at the site reported that winds were from 180 degrees at 7 mph, with gusts up to 10 mph at 5 feet above ground level.