KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) - Power was knocked out for almost 1,400 central Florida homes and businesses when a metallic balloon left at a gravesite broke free and struck a utility line.
Authorities say the balloon covered in red hearts broke free Friday from a floral arrangement left by a grave at Rose Hill Cemetery in Kissimmee. Utility workers nearby heard a loud pop, rushed over and found the balloon had started a small grass fire.
The Orlando Sentinel reports (https://bit.ly/2iOwmQJ ) that 1,354 customers were without power as the crew worked to repair the line. Power was restored early Friday afternoon.
Kissimmee Utility Authority spokesman Chris Gent says the incident shows the dangers metallic balloons pose when they come in contact with power lines. Gent says such balloons shouldn’t be released or displayed outside.
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