New Delhi: Four people were killed in southwest Turkey on Sunday after an ambulance helicopter collided with a hospital building and crashed to the ground.
The mishap took place soon after the helicopter took off from the Mugla Training and Research Hospital and was headed for Antalya, the Health ministry said in a statement.
Those on board the copter — two pilots, a doctor and another medical worker – lost their lives.
Footage from the site showed debris from the crash scattered around the area outside the hospital building, with several ambulances and emergency teams at the scene.
Aviation Safety Network shared a video clip showing the helicopter slowly taking off in low visibility, veering towards the hospital and colliding against the building amid foggy conditions.
An Eurocopter EC-135P2+ ambulance helicopter (TC-HYD) operating for the Turkish Ministry of Health hit the Muğla Training and Research Hospital and fell into an empty field while taking off. All 4 on board were killed.pic.twitter.com/25bCCaTwLW
— Aviation Safety Network (ASN) (@AviationSafety) December 22, 2024
Mugla’s regional governor Idris Akbiyik told newspersons that the helicopter hit the fourth floor of the hospital building before crashing to the ground.
Fortunately, none inside the building or outside was hurt.
The accident, which took place amid dense fog, is being investigated.
