Helicopter crashes in Istanbul suburb

By Etem Geylan and Ali Cevahir Akturk

ISTANBUL (AA) - A helicopter crashed in Istanbul suburb on Friday, an official said.

Hasan Akgun, the mayor of Buyukcekmece, told CNN Turk TV that he had seen five bodies from the crash, adding that seven people had been aboard the private aircraft.

Buyukcekmece is situated on the northwestern side of the city and contains an industrial area and residential neighborhoods.

The E5 highway, which runs through the district, was closed after debris landed on the road.

There was no immediate cause given for the crash, which happened at around 11.30 local time (0830GMT).

Fire engines and ambulances rushed to the area.