The pilot of a hot air balloon and his passengers were burned when propane ignited as he was changing a fuel line upon lift off at the Great Falls Balloon Festival in Lewiston.
Festival organizers said a small amount of propane leaked and ignited when it came in contact Saturday with the burner.
WCSH television station in Portland reported that pilot Andre Boucher suffered second-degree burns to his legs, arms and face. Boucher was taken to a hospital.
The injured passengers were either treated at the scene by medics or taken to a hospital.
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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