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Brit killed in balloon crash was on Explore holiday

A British man killed in a hot-air balloon accident in Turkey had booked the excursion as part of a holiday with Explore Worldwide.


A second Briton has been left critically injured in the incident, while eight others suffered injuries when the balloon plummeted up to 200 metres to the ground in the Cappadocia region this morning.


While the critically injured tourist is suffering from multiple injuries, an Anatolian news agency has reported that the other eight sustained fractures to their legs and feet.


Although the cause of the accident is still being investigated, it is thought to have happened after the balloon was in collision with a second balloon.


Explore director John Telfer said: “We are of course looking after those involved and liaising with their families, and with those of other clients who were on this optional excursion. We are shocked that such a popular activity should have resulted in such a tragic outcome.


“All we can say at this time is that one person very sadly died and that another is in a critical condition, with multiple injuries.”


Senior Explore staff are already flying out to the region. A spokesman added that Explore has used balloon operator Kapadokya Balloons in Turkey for 10 years without incident.


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