VietNamNet Bridge - A hot-air balloon worth US$1.6 million that is used for tourism purposes at Hon Tam tourist site in Nha Trang city, exploded on August 16 afternoon because of high winds.

Witnesses said that they heard a big explosion from the balloon. The giant ball was completely torn and fell to the ground. Luckily, there were no human casualties.

Mr. Nguyen Thien Thanh, Director of the Hon Tam Bien Nha Trang Entertainment Center, who owns the balloon, said that his staff pulled down the balloon to only 5m height from the ground to avoid rain and strong wind. However, strong wind made the balloon to shake and twist. The net around the balloon pressed strongly on the giant ball, causing the explosion.

Thanh said workers stopped serving balloon rides at the time of the incident but they did not let out the air of the balloon before that. He added that the balloon will be sent to the US for repair.

The 22m-diameter balloon was imported from France, at the price of Eur1.2 million (around $1.6 million). It contains 6,000sq.m of helium and natural gas. Its basket can hold up to 25 people at a height of 150 meters.

The balloon flights were first offered at Hon Tam Island in February 2010 for VND190,000 (US$9.5) to provide tourists with a panoramic view of the coastal city.

The fares now have been reduced to VND100,000 (US$5) during the day and VND120,000 (US$6) in the evening for a 20 minute ride. It serves from 200 to 300 passengers per day.

Compiled by Thu Ha