Report: Chinese Tourist Killed in Turkey Balloon Crash

W460

A Chinese tourist was killed and nine others, including Malaysians, were injured Wednesday when a hot-air balloon crashed during a sightseeing ride over a UNESCO world heritage site in central Turkey, reports said.

The accident occurred early Wednesday over the famed sculpted rock formations of Cappadocia in the Guvercinlik Valley of Nevsehir province, Dogan news agency reported.

The balloon went down for a yet unknown reason, it added.

A Chinese tourist, identified as Tang Yi, died on the spot while nine other tourists, all of them believed to be Chinese and Malaysian nationals, were hospitalised for fractures and broken bones, Dogan said.

A Malaysian tourist is being treated in hospital in a serious condition, it added. Security forces and ambulances were dispatched to the area.

An investigation was underway to determine the cause of the crash.

Ballooning has become increasingly popular in recent years in Turkey although there have been repeated concerns about safety standards.

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.

Three Brazilian tourists visiting Turkey were killed in May 2013 when two hot air balloons collided above Cappadocia.

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