A series of hot air balloon accidents in central Turkey has resulted in the death of one pilot and injuries to over 30 tourists, according to local authorities.
The most serious incident occurred near the village of Gözlükuyu in Aksaray Province, when a balloon carrying a group of Indonesian tourists encountered a sudden change in wind conditions. Officials reported that the balloon was attempting a hard landing when the pilot fell from the basket. His feet became entangled in a rope, and he was subsequently trapped beneath the basket.
Aksaray Governor Mehmet Ali Kumbuzoğlu confirmed the pilot’s death and stated that 19 Indonesian passengers sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
In a separate incident on the same morning, another hot air balloon that had departed from the Ihlara Valley made a hard landing, resulting in injuries to 12 Indian tourists. They were also transported to hospital for medical attention.
The Ihlara Valley and the wider Cappadocia region are popular destinations for hot air ballooning, attracting visitors from around the world with their dramatic landscapes and geological formations. Among the most notable are the so-called “fairy chimneys” – tall, cone-shaped rock pillars formed by natural erosion over thousands of years. The region is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes of the accidents, with local officials noting that wind conditions can change rapidly in the area.
