1 killed in Egypt hot air balloon crash

Cairo Jan 5 (IANS) One tourist was killed and 12 others were injured when a hot air balloon crashed near Egypt s ancient city of Luxor on Friday.

The balloon was carrying 20 people at the time of the accident. The deceased was identified as a 36-year-old South African woman state-run Al Ahram reported.

The balloon was travelling over the ancient city when it was forced off course and into a mountainous area by strong winds.

Those on board the flight included a number of foreign nationals along with Egyptian tourists.

Luxor has witnessed hot air balloon accidents in past years.

In 2013 19 tourists including nine from Hong Kong were killed when their balloon caught fire.

In 2016 22 Chinese tourists were injured when their balloon crash landed after which Egypt temporarily halted balloon rides.

--IANS
soni/dg