Hot air balloon crashes in Maasai Mara, two killed

A hot air balloon crashed in Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve today, killing a Belgian tourist and a Kenyan pilot.

Eleven tourists were also injured, said senior park warden Michael Koikai.

“Reports from the scene indicate that a freak windy condition caused the accident,” said Jake Grieves-Cook, chairman of the Kenya Tourist Board.

“The injured tourists were immediately airlifted to Nairobi Hospital, where they have been admitted in stable condition.”

“Kenya Tourist Board deeply regrets this sad tragedy. We send our sincere condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of those who have lost their loved ones,” Grieves-Cook said in a statement.

Balloon Safari Limited, which organised today’s flight, refused to comment.

From balloon perches, tourists watch animals graze, drink and hunt in the game reserve for about an hour.