Thursday, 04 March 2021 (YJC)_ At least 10 Turkish soldiers were killed and three others were injured in a military helicopter crash.
At least 10 Turkish soldiers, including a high-ranking commander, were killed and three others were injured in a military helicopter crash, Turkey's Defense Ministry said Thursday.
In a statement, the ministry said the Cougar helicopter took off from the eastern province of Bingöl at 1:55 p.m. and was en route to Bitlis province’s Tatvan district when contact with the aircraft was lost at around 2:25 p.m.
“A search and rescue party consisting of a UAV, a CN-235 airplane and a helicopter was dispatched immediately,” the statement raid.
The ministry initially said nine soldiers on board the helicopter were killed in the crash, adding that four survivors were transferred to hospital for treatment. Commander of the 8th Corps, Lt. Gen. Osman Erbaş was among those who perished. Hours after the crash, the death toll increased to 10 after one of the wounded soldiers succumbed to his injuries.
“We wish God's mercy upon those who lost their lives in this deeply saddening accident, convey our sympathies to their families, friends and our nation, and wish for speedy recovery to the wounded,” the statement read.
Later, Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar, Chief of General Staff Yaşar Güler and Commander of Turkish Land Forces Ümit Dündar left the capital Ankara to inspect the crash area and check on the treatment of the wounded soldiers.
Your Comment