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Hot air balloon explodes in UAE, tourist airlifted to hospital

The tourist had arrived in the country two weeks ago.

A 54-year-old African tourist was airlifted to hospital after his air balloon exploded and crashed in Sharjah’s Al Badayer area on Sunday. The tourist had arrived in the country two weeks ago to enjoy desert safari, a relative said.

Police said on receiving information at the operations room at 6pm, a police team, comprising officers from CID, a patrol, ambulance and rescue unit immediately reached the site. They had to call the air wing to rush the tourist - who was in a critical condition - to the nearest hospital. The injured man was airlifted by a helicopter and shifted to Al Qasimi Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit.

Police said that initial investigation indicated that the balloon went down suddenly due to a technical snag. Probe is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the accident and determine if there were any violations committed.

This is the third incident in a week in Al Badayer area. Two Indians died during a quad bike accident and three Arab women received serious injuries after their quad bike collided during a desert safari.

The Sharjah Police have recorded more than 20 accidents involving quad bikes during the last two years in Al Badayer as well as other desert safari areas in Madaam. Many tourists suffered serious injuries and fractures in these accidents.