Tragic hot air balloon crash in Cappadocia: One dead, 19 injured!
There was a tragic hot air balloon accident in Cappadocia: one dead and 19 injured after crashing in Aksaray.

Tragic hot air balloon crash in Cappadocia: One dead, 19 injured!
A tragic hot air balloon incident occurred in Turkey's Aksaray province. On June 15, 2025, two balloons crashed, killing at least one person, a balloon pilot. In addition, 19 other people were injured in this accident. The accident occurred during a flight in the Ihlara Valley, one of the most popular tourist regions in Cappadocia, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. The exact circumstances of the crash are still unclear and are being investigated by authorities. These tragic events cast a shadow on tourism activities in this renowned region , reports the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
Another incident occurred on the same day near the Zelve historical site, Avanos County, Nevşehir Province. A hot air balloon took off from the Çavuşin district at 5:00 a.m. with 20 tourists on board. After about an hour of flying, the pilot decided to end the flight due to expired flight time and adverse weather conditions. The balloon landed in a controlled manner on rocky terrain, which presented the passengers with a particular challenge. They had to get out about 50 meters high into the rocks and were temporarily stuck. According to Hurriyet The passengers were rescued by the AFAD civil protection authority and the fire department, although fortunately no injuries were reported.
Rescue operations and investigations
The rescue operation was necessary to bring the passengers safely to the area below. After technical measures, the balloon was able to rise again, showing that despite the predicament, the operators were prepared to act quickly. In this regard, the authorities announced an administrative investigation into the incident to clarify possible security deficiencies.
The two incidents raise questions about the safety of hot air balloon rides, a popular activity in Cappadocia. Regional businesses must ensure that they both protect the well-being of their guests and emphasize safety precautions. With hundreds of tourists traveling to the region each year to experience the stunning scenery from the air, reviewing safety standards is of paramount importance.