Luxor hot-air balloon accident is deadliest in recent years

THE explosion of a hot air balloon, killing up to 18 tourists, over Egypt's Luxor today is the most deadly accident of this type recently.

Egypt balloon crash

THE explosion of a hot air balloon, killing up to 18 tourists, over Egypt's Luxor today is the most deadly accident of this type over the past two decades:

- EGYPT: On Tuesday, a hot air balloon catches fire and explodes over Egypt's ancient temple city of Luxor during a sunrise flight, killing up to 18 tourists, including Asians and Europeans.

- SLOVENIA: On August 23, 2012, six people, including a child, are killed when a balloon crashes near Ljubljana after hitting a tree and catching fire as the pilot loses control due to strong winds.

- NEW ZEALAND: On January 7, 2012, eleven people are killed when a hot air balloon hits a power line and bursts into flames on a pleasure flight near Carterton, north of the capital Wellington.

- CHINA: On October 14, 2009, four Dutch tourists die when their balloon catches fire and crashes in Yangshuo, a favourite spot for tourists in southern China.

- FRANCE: On August 26, 2001, six people including a child, are killed when their balloon touches a power line at Verrens-Arvey, southeastern France.

- GERMANY: On June 17, 1999, four passengers in a hot air balloon are killed, also in hitting a power line, near Ibbenburen, western Germany.

- SWITZERLAND: On January 31, 1996, strong winds dash a balloon into a mountainside at a height of 2,400 metres (8,000 feet) in the Bernese Alps, killing five people.

- GERMANY: On January 16, 1994, a balloon bursts into flames during a landing accident near Mosbach, southwestern Germany, and three people are killed.

- UNITED STATES: On August 8, 1993, a balloon hits a power line near Aspen, Colorado, tearing off the basket and sending it plummeting 30 metres (100 feet) to the ground. Six people are killed.

- AUSTRIA: On October 6, 1990, four people are killed in a balloon crash at Gaenserndorf, near Vienna.