In this file photo, a hot air balloon, carrying tourists, rises into the sky at sunrise in Cappadocia, central Türkiye, on Aug 7, 2018. (EMRAH GUREL / AP)
ANKARA – Two Spanish tourists were killed and three others injured on Tuesday in a hot air balloon accident in Türkiye's popular tourist destination Cappadocia, local authorities said.
The balloon belonging to a private company took off from the Zelve Ruins of Avanos district in Nevsehir province and made a hard landing in the Killik region due to unexpected wind, the office of the provincial governor said in a statement.
The balloon belonging to a private company took off from the Zelve Ruins of Avanos district in Nevsehir province and made a hard landing in the Killik region due to unexpected wind, the office of the provincial governor said in a statement
A total of 28 passengers and two crew members were riding the balloon. According to the initial findings, the cause of the accident was an unexpected increase in wind, said the statement.
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A judicial and administrative investigation is underway. The injured are being treated at various hospitals.
With valleys of natural rock formations, underground settlements, cave hotels and historic monasteries carved in rocks, Cappadocia is known for its hot air balloon rides and hosts both domestic and foreign visitors.
The destination is one of the few locations worldwide where visitors can take balloon rides almost all year round due to the region's ideal weather.
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