South African who died in Egypt to be repatriated

South African who died in Egypt to be repatriated

Three South Africans were in the hot air balloon when it crashed.

Hot air balloon
Photo: Wikimedia, Neuroxic

The Egyptian embassy says it is finalising all the paperwork to repatriate the body of a South African who died in a hot air balloon accident on Friday morning.


Three South African were among the 16 people on the hot air balloon when it crashed near the ancient city of Luxor.


"The man who was operating the hot air balloon tried to land and unfortunately because of the strong winds he crashed to the ground," reads a statement by the Egyptian Embassy to South Africa.


The 34-year-old Daren Jan Weegle lost his life in the incident.


Fellow South Africans Linda Mpowo and Pretty Geli both sustained bruises but were in a stable condition.


Egypt's ambassador to South Africa has extended his condolences to the family of Weegle.


"We are going to help with any processes to return the body to South Africa," embassy spokesperson Ayman Walash told Jacarandafm News by telephone.


The remaining occupants of the hot air balloon were from France, Brazil, Argentina and Australia.

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