In a tragic incident on Monday, six Turkish soldiers lost their lives when two helicopters collided during a training exercise in the southwestern Isparta province. The collision resulted in one of the helicopters crashing, according to provincial governor Abdullah Erin.
“Two helicopters collided during a training flight, and one of them crashed,” Governor Erin informed TRT Haber public television. The second helicopter managed to land safely, authorities reported.
Initially, both Governor Erin and the defense ministry announced that five soldiers had been killed. However, the death toll was later revised to six after one of the wounded soldiers succumbed to injuries in the hospital.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Authorities have not provided further details about the circumstances leading to the accident.
The incident has cast a shadow over the Turkish military community, prompting condolences and expressions of solidarity from officials and citizens alike. The loss highlights the inherent risks associated with military training operations, even during peacetime exercises.
Isparta province, located in southwestern Turkey, is known for its rugged terrain and is a common site for military training due to its challenging landscape. The region’s officials are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences of similar incidents.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
