Rough landing of hot air balloon in Cappadocia injures 18

Early on Friday, a hot-air balloon took off with tourists in Göreme, Turkey's picturesque tourism area in central Nevşehir province; however, at the end of the flight, when the hot air balloon was attempting to land, it instead made a bumpy landing, due to an unknown reason.

The balloon toppled on top of the carriage, hurting 18 tourists. Evacuations of the casualties were completed by health care teams.

There were a total of 20 people in the hot air balloon, 14 Chinese, 2 American, a Brazilian, 2 Greek and a Turk, and 18 people were hurt.

Pursuant to first detections, condensed gas, used for take-off, escaped and the gas burned, causing the balloon`s carriage to crash to the ground, injuring the pilot and passengers.

Nevşehir sanitation director Dr. Rahim Ünlübay explains that it did not fall, but rather it experienced a bumpy landing.

All of the casualties suffered first degree burns on their arms and heads and are covered with thick cotton. Most of the casualties were discharged from the hospitals. Remaining casualties will be discharged from the hospitals as soon as possible.