Two hot air balloons have crashed in central Turkey, leaving one person dead and 31 injured, according to local media reports.
The accident occurred near the Ihlara Valley in Aksaray province, the private Ilhas News Agency and other outlets said.
The cause of the crash has not been confirmed, but local media outlets are reporting that the hot air balloons were forced to touch down suddenly due to unexpected wind despite taking off during suitable weather conditions. Reports add that the Transportation Safety Investigation Center Presidency will investigate the incident.
The hot air balloon’s pilot died in the crash after his feet became tangled in the hot air balloon's rope. Aksaray Governor Mehmet Ali Kumbuzoğlu said: "Unfortunately, our pilot got stuck under the basket and died.
“Our tourists are in good condition. We took them to the hospital by ambulance. They are being examined."
According to local media reports, 31 tourists were reported to be injured in the crash, 19 of which were Indonesian. The remaining 12 were Indian tourists on a second hot air balloon in the Güzelyurt area, who were "slightly" injured and taken to hospital following the accident.
Hot air ballooning is a popular tourist activity over the rugged landscape of central Turkey, which is dotted with ancient churches hewn into cliff faces. The attractions include the “fairy chimneys” of Cappadocia, tall, cone-shaped rock formations created by natural erosion over thousands of years that are a Unesco World Heritage Site.
A video shared by the news agency shows the deflated balloon with its passenger basket lying on its side. Emergency services can be seen nearby, tending to injured people.
