Six people, including top soldiers, were killed on July 5 when a military helicopter crashed in the Black Sea province of Giresun, private broadcaster CNN Turk has reported, citing military sources.
The Sikorsky S-70 helicopter was carrying eight military personnel, including Gendarmerie Region Commander Brigadier Mustafa Doğru, one colonel, two majors and Giresun provincial gendarmerie post personnel along with four wives of the military personnel and three children. They were reportedly heading to Eid al-Fitr celebrations taking place at military posts in the region.
It crashed in the Tohumluk highlands of the Alucra district of Giresun at 5.30 p.m.
The report said two colonels, their wives and two children were killed in the accident.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım said there were both casualties and injuries in the accident, which was caused by poor weather.
The premier also added that Brigadier Dogru was reportedly among the wounded.
However, Giresun Mayor Kerim Aksu stated that six people were killed according to initial reports.
In addition, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also contacted Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar for information on the crash.
“I feel deep sorrow over the accident,” Erdogan said.