20 Turkish soldiers killed in military plane crash in Georgia

The Turkish government announced that following Tuesday’s crash of a Turkish military cargo plane in Georgia, all military personnel on board were confirmed dead.

All 20 members of the Turkish Armed Forces, including the flight crew, died when a Turkish C-130 cargo aircraft went down near Sighnaghi, close to the Azerbaijani border in Georgia, in the south westernmost area of Russia’s vicinity.

The C-130 Hercules is typically used by the Turkish Armed Forces for troop transport and other logistical operations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident and offered his condolences:

“In this moment of sorrow, I share your grief and, on behalf of myself and the people of Turkey, extend my heartfelt condolences to you, to the families and loved ones of the deceased, and to our brotherly people of Turkey.”

According to Turkey’s Ministry of Defense, the standard four-engine C-130 Hercules turboprop aircraft had taken off from Ganja, in western Azerbaijan, on its return flight to Turkey when it crashed.

Turkish officials reported that the plane lost contact only minutes after entering Georgian airspace. No distress signal was sent before the crash.

Georgia’s search and rescue teams confirmed that the bodies of all military personnel aboard have been recovered.

The Turkish Ministry of Defense released the names and photos of the victims and expressed condolences to their families.

Footage recorded by eyewitnesses shows the aircraft spiraling down before impact, producing thick plumes of white and black smoke, with parts of the fuselage shattered upon hitting the ground.

Video clips show the plane descending out of control, leaving a white smoke trail. Officials confirmed that a joint rescue operation between Georgia and Azerbaijan is underway.