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1 Killed and 19 Injured as Hot Air Balloons Crash in Central Türkiye

Sight-seeing hot air balloons launch in Göreme Historical National Park in the Cappadocia region, Nevsehir, central Türkiye, Aug. 24, 2022. (AFP)
Sight-seeing hot air balloons launch in Göreme Historical National Park in the Cappadocia region, Nevsehir, central Türkiye, Aug. 24, 2022. (AFP)
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1 Killed and 19 Injured as Hot Air Balloons Crash in Central Türkiye

Sight-seeing hot air balloons launch in Göreme Historical National Park in the Cappadocia region, Nevsehir, central Türkiye, Aug. 24, 2022. (AFP)
Sight-seeing hot air balloons launch in Göreme Historical National Park in the Cappadocia region, Nevsehir, central Türkiye, Aug. 24, 2022. (AFP)

Two hot air balloons crashed in central Türkiye on Sunday, leaving one person dead and 19 injured, according to local media reports.

The accident occurred near the Ihlara Valley in Aksaray province, the private Ilhas News Agency and other outlets said. It was not immediately clear why the hot air balloons crashed.

Hot air ballooning is a popular tourist activity over the rugged landscape of central Türkiye, which is dotted with ancient churches hewn into cliff faces. The attractions include the “fairy chimneys” of Cappadocia, tall, cone-shaped rock formations created by natural erosion over thousands of years that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Video from Ilhas showed one deflated balloon, its passenger basket lying on its side, as emergency services tended to injured people.

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Saudi General Directorate of Passports Showcases Contactless E-Gate at LEAP 2026

The General Directorate of Passports is showcasing the contactless e-gate at the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion during LEAP 2026. (SPA)
The General Directorate of Passports is showcasing the contactless e-gate at the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion during LEAP 2026. (SPA)
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Saudi General Directorate of Passports Showcases Contactless E-Gate at LEAP 2026

The General Directorate of Passports is showcasing the contactless e-gate at the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion during LEAP 2026. (SPA)
The General Directorate of Passports is showcasing the contactless e-gate at the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion during LEAP 2026. (SPA)

The General Directorate of Passports is showcasing the contactless e-gate at the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion during LEAP 2026, held from August 31 to September 3, at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, north of Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Visitors to the ministry’s pavilion viewed the e-gate, a self-service technology used at international ports. The gate allows travelers to pass through by simply moving the palm of their hand over a reader without touching it. The system automatically verifies the traveler’s identity and opens the gate without requiring the presentation of travel documents or fingerprint scanning.

During the exhibition, the directorate is showcasing innovative digital solutions that facilitate passenger movement through international ports, as part of its efforts to enhance digital operations and leverage modern technologies to improve service efficiency and the beneficiary experience.

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Four New Civil Affairs E-Services Launched via Saudi Arabia's Absher at LEAP 2026

Four New Civil Affairs E-Services Launched via Saudi Arabia's Absher at LEAP 2026
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Four New Civil Affairs E-Services Launched via Saudi Arabia's Absher at LEAP 2026

Four New Civil Affairs E-Services Launched via Saudi Arabia's Absher at LEAP 2026

Acting Supervisor of the Ministry of Interior's Agency of Civil Affairs Major General Dr. Saleh Al-Murabba launched four new electronic services via the Ministry of Interior's Absher electronic platform during LEAP 2026, held at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The new services include updating the photo on the national identity card, issuing birth certificates not registered electronically, requesting delivery of death certificates for residents, and requesting replacement death certificates for residents in cases of loss or damage.

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Saudi Arabia Reinforces Regional Leadership with 21 WHO-Accredited Healthy Cities

From one city to another, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s network of healthy cities continues to expand as an integral part of sustainable development. (SPA)
From one city to another, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s network of healthy cities continues to expand as an integral part of sustainable development. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reinforces Regional Leadership with 21 WHO-Accredited Healthy Cities

From one city to another, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s network of healthy cities continues to expand as an integral part of sustainable development. (SPA)
From one city to another, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s network of healthy cities continues to expand as an integral part of sustainable development. (SPA)

From one city to another, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s network of healthy cities continues to expand as an integral part of sustainable development. The number of cities accredited by the World Health Organization (WHO) has reached 21, reinforcing the Kingdom’s regional leadership among countries in Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa.

This achievement presents a model that translates quality of life into standards and practices, placing human health at the heart of planning, services, the environment, and society, the Saudi Press Agency said on Wednesday.

This progress is underpinned by the unwavering support of wise leadership for citizens' health and quality of life.

This support has enabled the expansion of health efforts to encompass the various factors affecting people’s lives and strengthened the “Health in All Policies” approach as a key pillar of planning, development, and decision-making, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to build a vibrant society and higher-quality, more sustainable environments.