Low-flying hot air balloon drifts across a highway in Poteau, USA

On October 17, 2026, in Poteau, Oklahoma, USA, @karli_albert shared a video showing a colorful hot air balloon flying unusually low near a highway. In the video, the balloon, featuring green, black, and purple panels, floats just meters above the ground beside an open grassy area before crossing the roadway as vehicles pass nearby. A burner flame is visible beneath the balloon as the pilot adjusts its altitude. According to the author, the encounter occurred around 9 a.m. They explained that people who sponsor a balloon may have the opportunity to fly in it, with the pilot determining the altitude based on comfort and wind conditions. The pilot also explained that hot air balloons do not have fixed emergency landing sites and must land wherever conditions allow.