Holiday hot-air balloon tragedy

The shocking deaths of four Dutch holidaymakers in a hot-air balloon crash in China will reopen the debate about whether tourists are wise to take part in dangerous activities abroad.

Hot-air ballooning is classed as a hazardous pursuit by insurers and most travel insurance policies will require holidaymakers to pay an additional premium to cover them for even the shortest flight.

Two men and two women died in the accident in China when the balloon sprang a leak an hour into a flight over a popular tourist town of Yangshuo, famed for its green-clad karst hills.

The balloon reportedly caught fire and crashed 150 metres to the ground, killing the four holidaymakers.

One other Dutch holidaymaker- and two pilots escaped serious injury by jumping from the balloon before it hit the ground, said media reports.

Hot air balloon rides for tourists have frequently caused controversy, most recently following an accident in Turkey in which a British man died.

The man was killed in May after a balloon in which he was flying crashed during a sightseeing ride in centre of the country.

Nine others were injured in the crash in the Cappadocia region. The deceased had been on a trip organised by UK adventure holiday specialist Explore Worldwide.

Earlier this year hot-air balloons in Egypt were grounded following an accident in which 16 tourists, including two Britons, were seriously injured.

The balloon carrying 27 tourists crashed into a field after hitting a mobile phone transmission tower.

Holidaymakers tempted to take a hot-air balloon ride on any trip should check their travel insurance to make sure they are covered.

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