Top scientist dies in balloon crash

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The sightseeing balloon was carrying the pilot and 10 holidaymakers, nine British and one French, when it came down in the spectacular Cappadocia region.

It is believed it collided with another balloon shortly after taking off at 6.30am local time on Friday.

One British tourist, named by the Turkish authorities as Dr Kevin Beurle, died and a second was "critically" hurt in the crash.

The other passengers suffered less serious injuries, including some broken bones, and are being treated at a private hospital, said tour operator Explore Worldwide.

Reports suggested the balloon was between 50m (164ft) and 250m (820ft) off the ground when it came crashing down.

Possible causes of the tragedy being considered by investigators include a freak wind and pilot error, Turkey's Hurriyet newspaper reported.

Dr Beurle, from Brixton, south London, was a computer programmer in the astronomy department of Queen Mary University of London and a qualified scuba diving instructor. He was involved in the Cassini mission to study Saturn and its moons with an orbiting spacecraft.

On his website Dr Beurle listed his interests as "gravitation-related activities like mountaineering, skiing, and attempting to ride a unicycle".

He wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday that he was "enjoying hiking" in Cappadocia.