Probe into Egypt hot air balloon crash rules out criminal activity

Four investigating teams lead probe into the crash that killed tourists from Hong Kong, Japan, France, the UK and Hungary.

According to one of the investigating teams, the balloon company, Sky Cruise, had passed a routine inspection by the Civil Aviation Ministry on February 13-15

CAIRO // An initial probe into a hot air balloon crash that killed at least 19 tourists in Egypt has ruled out any criminal activity as a cause of the accident, the official Mena news agency reported on today.

"Investigations so far by the general prosecution show no suspicion of criminal activity," Mena said, citing the preliminary findings of the investigation into yesterday's accident at Luxor.

Four investigating teams were formed after Hisham Qandil, the prime minister, ordered an investigation into the crash that killed tourists from Hong Kong, Japan, France, the UK and Hungary.

Investigators inspected the scene of the crash in the dense sugar cane fields of Luxor, spoke to witnesses and residents and reviewed the operating company's paperwork and licences.

According to one of the investigating teams, the balloon company, Sky Cruise, had passed a routine inspection by the Civil Aviation Ministry on February 13-15, said Mena.

Wael Al Maadawi, the civil aviation minister Wael, said, meanwhile, that he had agreed to a request by British authorities to attend the probe.

The balloon had been floating over the west bank of Luxor, one of Egypt's most renowned archaeological sites and home to the famous Valley of the Kings and the grand Temple of Hatshepsut, when it exploded.

A video shot by a passenger on another flight appears to show smoke pouring from the balloon's basket for some time before the balloon itself collapses, leaving the basket full of tourists to freefall to earth.

The pilot and one tourist survived by jumping out of the basket at some point before it hit the ground, said an employee of Sky Cruise. Both were taken to hospital.