ISTANBUL (AP) — A tragic incident occurred on Sunday in central Turkey when a hot air balloon crash resulted in the death of its pilot and left 19 Indonesian tourists injured. According to a local official, the accident happened in the Aksaray province while the balloon was attempting a hard landing near the village of Gozlukuyu.
The Aksaray Governor, Mehmet Ali Kumbuzoglu, stated that the hot air balloon encountered a sudden change in wind conditions. As the pilot attempted the landing, he fell from the balloon's basket and became entangled in a rope, ultimately leading to his death. The injured tourists were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Hot air ballooning has become a well-known tourist activity in central Turkey, particularly over the unique landscape characterized by ancient churches carved into cliffs. The region is famous for its "fairy chimneys," which are tall, cone-shaped rock formations that have undergone natural erosion over thousands of years and have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Footage from the incident, provided by Ilhas News Agency, depicted a deflated balloon with its passenger basket overturned while emergency services attended to the injured individuals. An investigation is currently underway to ascertain the cause of the accident.
In a related event occurring on the same day, another hot air balloon that took off from the Ilhara Valley also made a hard landing. This incident resulted in injuries to 12 Indian tourists; however, their injuries were reported to be minor, and they were subsequently taken to the hospital for precautionary checks.
This crash comes in the wake of previous incidents involving hot air balloons in the region. Notably, in 2022, two Spanish tourists lost their lives when a hot air balloon made a hard landing following a sightseeing tour in Cappadocia. This history of accidents underscores the inherent risks involved in hot air ballooning, despite it being a popular and visually stunning means of exploring the picturesque landscapes of Turkey.
