It was operated by the local company, Sky Cruise, which said a gas cylinder had exploded on board when it was about 300m in the air.

BBC: Egypt suspends Luxor balloon flights after deadly crash

In Auckland, the major city closest to the International Date Line, fireworks exploded over the city's 328m (1, 076ft) Sky Tower as midnight struck (11:00 GMT).

BBC: New year revellers welcome 2013 with fireworks