Skip to main content
/asia
  Edition: U.S. | Arabic | Set Pref

Dutch tourists die in China balloon crash

  • Next Article in World »
Decrease font Decrease font
Enlarge font Enlarge font

(CNN) -- A search party of hundreds hunted for a hot-air balloon that had been reported catching fire and crashing in southern China, arriving in time to save only three of the seven people aboard.

Four Dutch tourists died in the crash Wednesday in Guilin, a popular tourist spot, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The pilots of the balloon took off from Yangshuo County, then lost control of the craft, the agency reported. Government officials dispatched 400 searchers to find the balloon, which had caught fire at some point.

The two pilots and one other Dutch tourist survived the crash.

After the crash, all hot-air balloon businesses were suspended in the area as officials conducted a safety overhaul, Xinhua reported.

All About ChinaAccidents and Disasters

  • E-mail
  • Save
  • Print
Home  |  Asia  |  Europe  |  U.S.  |  World  |  World Business  |  Technology  |  Entertainment  |  World Sport  |  Travel
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  RSS Feeds  |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  Site Map
© 2009 Cable News Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.