Two tourists from Spain are dead after an early morning hot air balloon accident that took place in Cappadocia.
Located in Central Turkey, Cappadocia is a tourist hotspot known for its cave hotels, fairy chimneys, and other unique rock formations.
Around 100 hot air balloons ascend in its skies each dawn. In fact, it is one of the destination’s most popular activities. However, one of the balloons made a hard landing, killing two of the 28 passengers aboard and injuring three others, according to Euronews.
“During the landing of the balloon, which was carrying 28 passengers and two crew members, two Spanish nationals lost their lives, while three Spanish citizens were injured,” said Mehmet Ceylan, the governor of Nevsehir province, in a statement.
“The treatment of those injured is continuing in hospitals in our city and they are not life-threatening.”
Based upon initial assessments, the accident is being attributed to an unexpected increase in wind speed.
The unfortunate accident leaves many wondering about the safety of riding in hot air balloons. As it turns out, deaths from hot air balloon rides are very rare.
According to data from Turkey’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, 12 accidents occurred during the flight hours examined between the summers of 2013 and 2017 in Cappadocia.
All of the accidents took place while landing. In these accidents, three people were killed.