Hot air balloon makes ‘unplanned launch,’ hits structure at Elk Grove casino event
A hot air balloon broke loose at the groundbreaking of a new hotel for Sky River Casino, crashing into the casino Monday before making an unplanned landing in a nearby field.
At approximately 12:15 p.m., more than an hour after the ceremony, the balloon that was previously tethered to the ground and hovering near the groundbreaking, made an “unplanned launch” due to strong winds, the Elk Grove Police Department said in a release.
“The balloon struck the side of the casino as well as a power line before eventually descending and coming to rest in a field southeast of Grant Line Road,” the police department said.
The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the balloon, was not injured, according to the release. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were notified.
The groundbreaking marked the start of construction on a new 300-room hotel at Sky River Casino, the latest expansion of Wilton Rancheria’s entertainment hub in Elk Grove.
The new hotel and resort will include a salon and spa, a 30,000-square-foot event and entertainment space, a pool and a botanical atrium, according to Sky River Casino President Michael Facenda. It will also include more dining, including a restaurant, coffee shop and bar.
