A hot air balloon slammed into the side of a Northern California casino Monday afternoon during a groundbreaking celebration, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 12:15 p.m. at Sky River Casino, according to the Elk Grove Police Department. Investigators said the balloon lifted off unexpectedly in high winds, struck the building and a nearby power line, then drifted over the area before landing in a field.
The pilot — the only person on board — was not injured, police said.
Video from KCRA’s LiveCopter 3 captured the moment of impact, showing the balloon’s basket hitting the side of the casino and tilting sharply, at one point appearing nearly upside-down with the pilot still inside.
The balloon remained in the air for about 20 minutes, attempting to land before climbing again and eventually touching down around 12:29 p.m.
“Due to unexpected heavy winds, the pilot chose to launch into free flight in accordance with safety protocols,” Sky River Casino said in a statement. “The balloon and pilot have landed safely.”
Police said the balloon also hit a power line during the incident. No other injuries were reported.
The crash happened as the casino was hosting a ceremony marking the start of construction on a new hotel resort, expected to open in 2027.
Witnesses described a tense scene.
“We were watching it live as he was struggling,” one Elk Grove resident, who was at a nearby park, told CBS Sacramento. “It’s almost like when a balloon goes up from a child’s birthday party, and seeing how it deteriorates, this was just a giant-sized balloon.”
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been notified, police said. It was not immediately clear whether either agency had opened a formal investigation.
Officials have not released the pilot’s identity or an estimate of damage to the casino or surrounding infrastructure.