ANKARA
A Chinese tourist has been killed in a hot air balloon crash Wednesday in the central Turkish touristic area of Cappadocia, civilian aviation officials said.
"Two private-run hot air balloons made a hard landing due to sudden wind changes in the Karadag area, near the Avanos-Nevsehir highway," said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Three Chinese tourists fell from the balloon after its harsh landing; one died and two others were wounded, said the officials.
Another three were also injured. Their nationalities are unknown as of yet.
The balloons took off from the Goreme district of Nevsehir where Cappadocia is located.
Officials have launched an investigation into the exact reason of the incident.
Cappadocia, which is famous for its "fairy chimney" volcanic cones, has become a popular tourist attraction over the past decade.
Hot air balloon trips in the region started in 1997. Only two accidents resulting in deaths have occurred since then.
The first happened in 2009 in the Avanos district of Nevsehir. One tourist died and 10 others were injured.
The second accident occurred in May 2013. Three people lost their lives and 22 were injured.
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