A recent video making the rounds on social media shows a hot air balloon making an unexpected landing on a residential street in Bedford, UK. The British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) assured BBC News that the landing was smooth and, thankfully, no one was hurt. The footage captures the balloon narrowly missing a building before touching down on Bower Street at around 9:30 AM on a Saturday. Local residents quickly sprang into action, helping to guide the balloon away from rooftops as it descended.
On the morning of August 23, 2025, the Variohm Components-branded hot air balloon, identified as G-BXLF, was flying over Bedford when the pilot had to make an emergency landing. The exact reason for this unexpected touchdown hasn’t been revealed. The balloon, an LBL.90A model made by Lindstrand, is privately owned and registered under MSN 487. It came down on Bower Street, just missing nearby houses, parked cars, and power lines. Sam Coldham, who was out walking his dog with his partner, Sian King, witnessed the balloon’s descent and helped guide it safely to the ground.
While hot air balloon flights are a popular recreational activity in the UK, serious incidents are rare. Pilots are required to be licensed, and balloons undergo regular safety checks, which helps minimize risks. Most balloon-related incidents are linked to landings and environmental factors rather than the flight itself. The most common issues involve rough landings, while more severe accidents, like collisions with power lines or trees, are less frequent. A notable incident occurred in August 2024, when a balloon made a hard landing, resulting in a passenger injury. Despite these occasional mishaps, hot air ballooning remains a cherished activity for many.
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Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More
