On Thursday, March 4, at least 11 Turkish soldiers, including a high-ranking commander, were killed and two others were injured in a military helicopter crash, Turkey's Defense Ministry said.
According to the Daily Sabah agency, Turkish Defence Ministry published a statement saying that 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 aeroplane and a helicopter was dispatched immediately,” the statement read.
The ministry initially said nine soldiers on board the helicopter were killed in the crash, adding that four survivors were transferred to the 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 11 after two of the wounded soldiers succumbed to his injuries.
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.
According to "Apostrophe" another military helicopter crash took place in Egypt, near the popular resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt).