THE 1986 BALLON DISASTER.

The 1986 Ohio balloon disaster, also known as the "Cleveland Balloonfest," was an ill-fated event that took place on September 27, 1986, in Cleveland, Ohio. The event was organized by United Way of Cleveland to set a world record for the largest simultaneous release of balloons, as part of a fundraising event.

Over 1.5 million balloons were released into the sky from a site near Cleveland's Public Square. However, things quickly took a tragic turn as unexpected weather conditions, including a storm front with strong winds and rain, caused chaos. The released balloons were carried by the wind, resulting in a massive cloud of balloons covering the sky and descending upon the city and Lake Erie.

The aftermath of the balloon release was disastrous. The balloons created havoc by blocking roads, runways, and even impeding the search for two missing fishermen on Lake Erie. The U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies were called in to manage the situation and clear the area of the released balloons.

Tragically, the event also had environmental repercussions, as many of the released balloons ended up in Lake Erie and other water bodies, posing a threat to wildlife and causing pollution. The incident brought attention to the potential dangers and environmental impact of balloon releases on a large scale.

The 1986 Ohio balloon disaster serves as a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of large-scale balloon releases and the importance of considering environmental factors when planning such events.