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Egypt balloon crash: Two Britons among tourists killed Egypt balloon crash: Two Britons among tourists killed
(35 minutes later)
Two Britons are dead and two others are in hospital after a hot air balloon crashed near the Egyptian city of Luxor, travel group Thomas Cook says.Two Britons are dead and two others are in hospital after a hot air balloon crashed near the Egyptian city of Luxor, travel group Thomas Cook says.
Reports suggest 18 people were killed, with French, Hong Kong and Japanese nationals among the dead. Reports suggest 18 people were killed, with French, Hong Kong and Japanese nationals also among the dead.
The balloon was at 1,000 ft (300m) up when it exploded, caught fire and plunged onto fields west of Luxor, officials said. The balloon was at 1,000 ft (300m) up when it exploded, caught fire and plunged on to fields west of Luxor, officials said.
Thomas Cook said the accident had been a "terrible tragedy".Thomas Cook said the accident had been a "terrible tragedy".
The four Britons had been on holiday with the tour operator. The four Britons had been on holiday with the tour operator and were among more than 20 people in the balloon when it crashed to the ground in flames.
They were among more than 20 people who were in the balloon when it exploded and crashed to the ground in flames.
Thomas Cook said it was working closely with the Foreign Office and the authorities in Egypt.Thomas Cook said it was working closely with the Foreign Office and the authorities in Egypt.
"We can confirm that two of our guests are in local hospitals, but tragically two of our guests have died in the hot air balloon incident in Luxor, Egypt this morning," it said. The Foreign Office said its staff in Luxor were in "close contact with the Egyptian authorities and are providing consular assistance".
Thomas Cook has set up an emergency phone line and concerned relatives are asked to call 0800 107 5638.
"We can confirm that two of our guests are in local hospitals, but tragically two of our guests have died in the hot air balloon incident in Luxor, Egypt this morning," the company said.
Thomas Cook UK and Europe chief executive Peter Fankhauser added: "The thoughts of everyone in Thomas Cook are with our guests, their family and friends.
"We have a very experienced team in resort with the two guests in the local hospital, and we're providing our full support to the family and friends of the deceased at this difficult time."
The crash happened on one of the many dawn hot air balloon flights that give tourists a view of Luxor's tourist attractions, such as Karnak temple and the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
The company said it had temporarily suspended sales of hot air balloon rides in Egypt.