A Turkish military cargo aircraft crashed on Tuesday near the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan, confirmed the Turkish Defence Ministry. The incident involved a C-130 military plane that was returning to Turkey after departing from Azerbaijan.
Crash Details and Location
The tragic accident occurred in Georgia's Sighnaghi municipality, approximately 5 kilometres from the Azerbaijan border, according to the Georgian Interior Ministry. Flight tracking data indicated the aircraft had taken off from Ganja in Azerbaijan before losing signal over Georgian territory.
Visual evidence circulating on social media platforms depicted the massive military transport plane undergoing a free fall with thick plumes of smoke emerging from the aircraft before it crashed in mountainous terrain.
Official Response and Rescue Operations
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed there have been casualties in the crash, though specific numbers weren't disclosed. Speaking during an event in Ankara, the President expressed profound grief over the incident.
"I am deeply saddened by the crash," Erdogan stated, extending condolences for what he referred to as "martyrs." He added, "God willing, we will overcome this crash with minimum hardships. May God rest the soul of our martyrs, and let us be with them through our prayers."
The Turkish Defence Ministry revealed that search and rescue operations are actively underway through coordination with authorities from both Georgia and Azerbaijan. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed he had spoken with his Georgian counterpart, who was en route to the crash site.
Aircraft Specifications and Investigation
The crashed aircraft was a C-130 Hercules, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, which forms a crucial part of Turkey's military transport fleet. According to the US Air Force website, these robust aircraft can carry up to 42,000 pounds (19,000 kilograms) of cargo, including helicopters and military personnel.
While the exact cause of the crash remains undetermined, an official investigation has been initiated. Neither the Turkish presidency nor the defence ministry has provided details about what led to the accident. Local media reports suggested both Turkish and Azerbaijani personnel were aboard the aircraft, though official confirmation is pending.
The C-130 military cargo planes serve as workhorses for the Turkish armed forces, primarily handling personnel transportation and logistical operations across various missions.
