Residents of Fuzhou, China, recently got something of a surprise that they won’t soon forget. They were busy preparing for their annual mid-autumn festival when they lost control of a huge balloon that was meant to be a prop for one of the displays at the festival.
The balloon was a large representation of the moon, which makes perfect sense when you consider the festival was meant to honor the moon for the changing seasons. However, the balloon quickly turned from a symbol of respect to one of fear and regret.
The rogue balloon managed to escape its handlers and join motorists on the highway nearby, who had no idea what was going on with the large moon-shaped ball plummeting toward them.
Those brief seconds before the drivers realized the object was a balloon and not a solid hunk of rock were probably the longest of their lives. Imagine how you might feel seeing a giant boulder tumbling toward your speeding vehicle.
Fortunately, since the object was simply carried by winds from the nearby sea, it was quickly recaptured without injury. The sight of the moon-balloon bouncing down the highway is one these Chinese festival goers and motorists aren’t sure to forget soon.
The balloon was captured on video for those who want to share in the fantastic imagery, and the balloon can be seen engulfing vehicles as it rolls over them. The balloon was only carried by light wind, so it never reached dangerous speeds. Thank goodness for decent weather.
