1 killed and 19 injured as hot air balloons crash in central Turkey
ISTANBUL (AP) — Two hot air balloons crashed in central Turkey on Sunday, leaving one person dead and 19 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. It was not immediately clear why the hot air balloons crashed.
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.
Video from Ilhas showed one deflated balloon, its passenger basket lying on its side, as emergency services tended to injured people.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Bridge collapse at popular tourist destination in India kills at least 2 dead, injures 32
At least two people died and 32 others were injured after an iron bridge over a river collapsed on Sunday at a popular tourist destination in India's western Maharashtra state, the state's top elected official said. Devendra Fadnavis, the chief minister of Maharashtra, said at least six people were hospitalized in critical condition because of their injuries. In a social media post, Fadnavis said he was "deeply saddened to learn about the tragic incident" and offered condolences to the families of the victims who died. Local media reported that scores of tourists were on the bridge when it collapsed, plunging many into the swollen river. Fadnavis also acknowledged people had been swept away and said a search operation was ongoing to find them. Six people have been rescued so far, he said. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi "expressed deep grief" over the collapse in a phone conversation with Fadnavis where he pledged to provide any resources necessary to the Maharashtra state government, according to the chief minister's office. The incident occurred in the Kundamala area in Pune district, which has witnessed heavy rains over the past few days, giving the river a steady flow, Press Trust of India reported. It was not raining when the bridge collapsed in an area frequented by picnickers, the news agency reported. Rescuers work at the site of a bridge collapse near Pune, India, Sunday, June 15, 2025. AP Photo Police said teams of the National Disaster Response Force and other search and recovery units have undertaken rescue operations, Press Trust said. India's infrastructure has long been marred by safety concerns, sometimes leading to major disasters on its highways and bridges. In 2022, a century-old cable suspension bridge collapsed into a river in the western state of Gujarat, sending hundreds plunging into the water and killing at least 132 in one of the worst accidents in the country in the past decade.
Bloomberg
4 hours ago
- Bloomberg
Bridge Collapses at Indian Tourist Destination, Killing Two
By Updated on Save NEW DELHI (AP) — At least two people died and 32 others were injured after an iron bridge over a river collapsed on Sunday at a popular tourist destination in India's western Maharashtra state, the state's top elected official said. At least six people were hospitalized in critical condition, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wrote on the social media platform X. Local media reported that scores of tourists were on the bridge when it collapsed, plunging many into the swollen river.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Two hot air balloons crash in Turkey killing one and injuring 31
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. Breaking news. This article is being updated.
