[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cNjhaEf_-MQ] At least 18 foreign tourists were killed in a hot air balloon crash near the historic city of Luxor. The balloon was flying at approximately 700 feet when before an explosion was heard and the balloon plunged into a sugar cane field near Luxor. Of the 20 passengers on board at the time, 18 were killed. According to a Health Ministry official, the victims include nine from Hong Kong, four from Japan, two from the UK, two from France, and one Hungarian. A representative for the hot air balloon company has stated that “One tourist and the Egyptian pilot survived.” The two that survived are reported to have jumped out of the balloon before it crashed. The tourist – a British national – is in stable condition at hospital, while the pilot has suffered 70% burns and is in critical condition. Eye-witnesses have reported hearing an explosion before the balloon plunged into the ground. One hotel employee stated that he saw a flash of light before hearing a loud explosion. “It was a loud boom that made everyone jump.” According to eye-witnesses interviewed by the BBC, “People were jumping out of the…
