Azerbaijani defence minister condoles with Türkiye over deadly helicopter crash in Isparta

Azerbaijani Defence Minister Col-Gen Zakir Hasanov has sent a letter of condolences to Turkish National Defense Minister Yashar Guler over the deaths of six servicemen following the crash of a UH-1 helicopter during a training flight in Isparta province, Caliber.Az reports via Azerbaijani Defence Ministry.

The letter says: "I am deeply saddened by the news of six servicemen becoming Shehids [Martyrs] in the UH-1 type helicopter crash during a training flight on December 9 in Isparta province.

Your grief is our grief too.

I pray to Almighty Allah for the repose of the souls of the servicemen, who became Shehids, share the sorrow and grief of their relatives, and express my deepest condolences to their families.

May Allah rest the souls of Shehids in peace."

To recall, Earlier on December 9, a tragic incident occurred during a training flight when two military helicopters collided mid-air in the Keçiborlu district of Isparta province, Türkiye. Following the collision, one of the helicopters crashed, while the other managed to land safely. Emergency teams, including ambulances and firefighters, were dispatched to the scene immediately.

Governor Abdullah Erin of Isparta confirmed the incident stating that the collision involved two training helicopters, one of which made a secure landing. Governor Erin added that he and his team were on-site, conducting thorough investigations into the accident.

Among those who lost their lives was Brigadier General İsa Baydilli, Commander of the Isparta Land Aviation School.

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense later announced that the death toll from the accident had risen from four to six.

By Khagan Isayev