- Turkish military C-130 crashed in eastern Georgia after taking off from Azerbaijan with at least 20 personnel aboard
- The plane’s wreckage was found burning in hilly terrain near the border as rescue teams work through difficult conditions
- The cause of the crash remains unclear as messages of condolences continue to pour in
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
A Turkish Air Force C-130 military transport aircraft crashed in eastern Georgia shortly after taking off from Ganja, Azerbaijan.
Source: UGC
Following the tragic accident, at least 20 Turkish personnel are feared dead.
According to Reuters, the aircraft went down near the Azerbaijan–Georgia border in the hilly Sighnaghi area of Kakheti, triggering a major search and rescue operation.
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Early footage from the crash site showed scattered debris, mangled metal and parts of the burning fuselage sending thick smoke into the sky.
Another video circulating online appeared to capture the aircraft spiralling toward the ground before erupting in flames, though investigators have not yet verified its authenticity.
What Turkish president said about the tragic air accident
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan paused a public address in Ankara to express condolences, referring to the victims as “our martyrs.”
Neither his office nor Turkey’s Defence Ministry gave details on what caused the crash.
The ministry confirmed that 20 Turkish servicemen, including flight crew, were on board.
The US ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy and noted that the United States stood in solidarity with Turkey.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen, the Turkish Armed Forces, and the people of Türkiye. The United States stands in solidarity with our Turkish allies,” Barrack said.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, in a phone conversation with Erdogan, also expressed sorrow after receiving news of the loss of servicemen.
Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said his Georgian counterpart reached the wreckage around 5 pm local time, with rescue teams continuing to comb through the area.
Details of the Turkish military plane that crashed in Georgia
Georgia’s Interior Ministry opened a criminal investigation under statutes related to air transport incidents resulting in loss of life.
The aircraft involved was a US-made C-130 Hercules, widely used by Turkey for troop movement and logistical missions.
Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer, sent condolences and said it was ready to support the investigation.
The crash has sparked widespread mourning in Turkey and Azerbaijan as authorities await more clarity on the cause and the final casualty toll.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
