Farmer survives after strong wind catches air balloon

Yin Yanlei was literally blown away recently when a hydrogen balloon he bought and boarded to pick pine cones from the tops of trees was caught by a strong gust of wind.

The 29-year-old farmer from Wangqing county, Jilin province, and his older brother were sitting in the hanging basket under the balloon, while his mother and a helper were on the ground holding the ropes attached to the balloon.

But lacking experience, they didn't tie the ropes to trees fast enough. As a strong wind lifted the balloon, they were unable to hold it. Yin's mother was hauled off her feet before falling back to the ground, breaking her leg. Yin's brother jumped out of the basket in time, but Yin failed to do so.