20 Turkish soldiers killed in military plane crash in Georgia; deadliest military accident since 2020
PTC Web Desk: Turkey confirmed on Wednesday that 20 of its soldiers died after a military transport plane crashed in Georgia a day earlier. This is Turkey’s deadliest military accident since 2020.
The C-130 cargo aircraft had taken off from Azerbaijan and was heading to Turkey when it went down in Georgia’s Kakheti district on Tuesday. The crash scattered debris across a grassy area near the town of Sighnaghu, close to the Azerbaijan border.
Officials from Turkey and Georgia began investigations at the crash site early Wednesday morning. Videos shared on social media showed the plane breaking apart mid-air before crashing and catching fire.
Emergency teams, including firefighters, ambulances and army vehicles rushed to the area. On Wednesday, the Turkish Defence Ministry released the names of all 20 soldiers who lost their lives.
The C-130 Hercules is a widely used four-engine military aircraft known for its ability to carry troops, cargo and equipment. It can take off and land on rough runways, making it one of the most versatile aircraft in the world.
Preliminary reports suggest the crash may have been accidental. Some experts believe the footage shows the tail section separating mid-flight, possibly after a mechanical failure. Analysts also noted that the crashed plane was 57 years old and had been in Turkish service since 2010.
Turkey’s Defence Ministry recently signed a deal with Britain to buy 12 newer C-130J aircraft. These planes will be upgraded and maintained in the UK before joining the Turkish Air Force.
Several countries, including Azerbaijan, Georgia, the US, Russia, Germany and NATO have expressed condolences and support for Turkey after the tragedy.
This is the deadliest military loss for Turkey since February 2020, when 33 soldiers were killed in Syria’s Idlib region. It is also the country’s worst non-combat accident in more than a decade.
- With inputs from agencies
