The balloon collided with power lines in the village of Asureti, leading to the tragic death of three people on board. Among the dead were the founder and director of the company Sky Travel Revaz Uturgauri, Polish film director Krzysztof Zaparti and Imedi television cameraman Misho Bidzinashvili. The incident occurred in the municipality of Tetritskaro.
Hot air balloon crash in Asureti – Video
The balloon touched high-voltage lines in Asureti during a test flight
According to reports, the balloon touched high voltage lines in Asureti during a test flight undertaken to set a world record for the longest duration balloon flight. The representative of the mayor of Assyria, Armaz Metreveli, noted that the accident occurred as a result of strong winds, which caused the collision.
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Revaz Uturgauri planned to fly around the whole of Georgia in a hot air balloon
A few weeks before the tragedy, Revaz Uturgauri planned to fly around the whole of Georgia in a hot air balloon. In an interview, he talked about the planned flight and was going to set a record together with a Polish director.
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As the investigation into the incident progressed, the police began conducting an investigation under Article 275 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concerns violations of air transport safety rules.
The Asureti balloon tragedy caused deep regret in Georgian society. Revaz Uturgauri was 70 years old, and Krzysztof Zaparti was 52. Currently, rescuers and law enforcement agencies are working at the scene, and relatives and friends of the victims remain in deep shock from the loss.
