Aksaray, Turkey — June 15, 2025 — A hot air balloon carrying international tourists crashed during a sightseeing flight in central Turkey on Sunday, resulting in the death of the pilot and injuries to 19 Indonesian passengers.
The accident took place near the village of Gözlükuyu in Aksaray province. According to a statement from the local governor’s office, the balloon was attempting to land when it encountered a sudden change in wind conditions. The abrupt shift caused the aircraft to descend hard, leading to the fatal incident.
Authorities reported that the pilot fell from the basket during the hard landing. His legs became entangled in a rope, and he was fatally trapped beneath the basket. Emergency crews were dispatched immediately, and the injured tourists were transported to nearby hospitals. None of their injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
Hot air balloon rides are a major draw for tourists visiting central Turkey, particularly in the region’s striking landscapes marked by unique rock formations and ancient cave dwellings. The area is renowned for offering scenic aerial views, especially at sunrise.
Images shared by local media showed the deflated balloon and overturned basket, with first responders attending to those hurt in the crash. Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause and assess potential safety failures.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with aerial tourism, even in well-established destinations.