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Fatal crash ... a Chinese tourist died when a hot-air balloon blew off course and crashed in Turkey. Picture: AP Photo/DHA Source: AP
A TOURIST was killed and 11 others injured when two hot air balloons crashed during a sightseeing ride over the popular tourist region of Cappadocia.
The accident occurred early on Wednesday over the famed sculpted rock formations in the Guvercinlik Valley of Nevsehir province in Turkey, the Dogan news agency reported.
The balloons simultaneously went down after strong winds blew them off course, Nevsehir Governor Mehmet Ceylan said, according to Dogan.
One balloon’s basket was dragged 150 metres before it made a rough landing and flipped, Dogan added.
Investigation ... Turkish soldiers check the remains of a hot-air balloon after a Chinese tourist was killed and more than a dozen injured in Cappadocia, Turkey. Picture: AP Photo/DHA Source: AP
A Chinese tourist, identified as 23-year-old Tang Yi, died at the scene while 11 other tourists, eight of them Chinese and Malaysian nationals, and three Turkish citizens, were hospitalised for fractures and broken bones.
Two Malaysian tourists are being treated in hospital in a serious condition, Dogan said. Security forces and ambulances were dispatched to the area.
Governor Mehmet Ceylan said Gendarmerie forces and the civilian aviation authority are investigating.
Ballooning has become increasingly popular in recent years in Turkey, particularly over the UNESCO world heritage-listed Cappadocia mountains, although there have been repeated concerns about safety standards.
Three Brazilian tourists visiting Turkey were killed in May 2013 when two hot air balloons collided above Cappadocia.
Previous crash ... three Brazilian tourists visiting Turkey were killed in May 2013 when two hot air balloons collided above Cappadocia (pictured). Picture: AP Photo/E. Wayne Ross Source: AP
Several companies offer hot-air balloon rides over Cappadocia, which is a major tourist attraction with its cone-shaped rock formations, rock-carved underground cities and early Christian churches.
Tourist attraction ... dozens of hot air balloons carry tourists over Cappadocia in central Turkey each morning. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied