12 Indonesian Citizens Injured In Tourist Air Balloon Accidents In Turkey

UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) said the accident of tourist hot air balloons in Aksaray Province, central Turkey, caused 12 Indonesian citizens riding the vehicle to suffer injuries.

The Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Judha Nugraha ensured that Indonesian representatives in Ankara had paid attention to Indonesian citizens who were victims of the accident that occurred on Sunday (15/6).

"KBRI Ankara has coordinated with local authorities to help Indonesian citizens," Judha said as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, June 17.

He explained that the hot air balloon carrying 19 Indonesian citizens and a pilot was injured and fell ashore allegedly due to sudden wind changes. The accident claimed one life, namely the Turkish air balloon pilot.

In the incident, 12 of the 19 Indonesian citizens who were in a hot air balloon suffered minor injuries, Judha said. Their condition improved after being treated at a local hospital and Indonesian citizens were already on their way to Istanbul before returning to their homeland.

"They are scheduled to return to Indonesia tonight," said Judha.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Turkey, Achmad Rizal Purnama, stated that the group of Indonesian tourists initially wanted to ride a hot air balloon ride in Kapadokia but failed, so they switched to looking for a hot air balloon to Aksaray.

"In Kapadokia, it was decided not to fly because of the weather. But the group was still looking for balloons elsewhere to fly," said Ambassador Rizal.

He also ensured that Indonesian citizens had been allowed to leave the hospital after receiving medical treatment.