Briton dies in Turkey balloon plunge

LONDON (Reuters) - A British man has been killed and nine other passengers injured, one critically, after a hot-air balloon crashed during an adventure holiday in central Turkey, the firm that organised the trip said on Friday.

Explore Worldwide said eight of the passengers injured in the incident early on Friday in the Cappadocia region of central Turkey were British nationals and the ninth French.

No details of the dead man were immediately available.

The company said it was still investigating the accident but believed two balloons collided shortly after take-off.

A spokesman for the firm said there were reports the balloon plunged up to 200 metres.

"We are of course looking after those involved and liaising with their families and with those of other clients ... and we are shocked that such a popular activity should have resulted in such a tragic outcome," said Explore Worldwide's managing director Ashley Toft.

The firm said passengers were on a nine-day "Hidden Trail of Cappadocia" excursion when the accident occurred.

Explore Worldwide said in a statement it had used the same balloon operator in Turkey for 10 years without incident.

(Reporting by Stefano Ambrogi; Editing by Steve Addison)