A man was reportedly injured Thursday evening after being lifted into the air when a hot air balloon was caught by the wind during a carnival at the Johnstown Galleria.
We witnessed the incident, the hot air balloon was offering rides when it began to deflate, and strong winds started pulling it.
At around 6 p.m., our photographer on scene says that the balloon crew reportedly asked people waiting in line to help hold the balloon in place by grabbing a rope.
Moments later, a gust of wind lifted the balloon into the air.
Our photographer says that one man, who was still holding the rope, was pulled approximately 15 feet into the air before being thrown back to the ground.
The balloon basket, which still had people inside, was also dragged across the ground, and several of those occupants appeared to have suffered injuries, according to our photographer.
The man who was pulled into the air was transported from the scene by ambulance. Emergency crews and police were also evaluating and speaking with people who were inside the basket.
The extent of the injuries has not yet been released or confirmed by emergency officials.
It is not immediately clear what caused the balloon to break free, and authorities have not yet released any official information about the incident.