UPDATE 2 - Military helicopter crashes in northern Turkey

UPDATES WITH DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER COMMENTS ON WEATHER CONDITIONS, INJURIES

GIRESUN, Turkey (AA) - A military helicopter crashed in Turkey's Black Sea province of Giresun on Tuesday, leaving seven personnel, their wives and children dead, the army said.

In a statement on its website the Turkish General Staff said the Sikorsky helicopter was returning to the province after visiting two gendarmerie bases to celebrate the end of Ramadan when it crashed near Tohumluk, a village in the mountains to the south of the coast.

“Seven out of our comrades, their wives and children unfortunately lost their lives and eight others injured were immediately referred to hospitals in the region,” the statement said.

The cause of the crash, at 5.15 p.m. (1415GMT), is unknown.

Speaking to media at Giresun State Hospital, Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli blamed the crash on dense fog and bad weather conditions, ruling out an attack.

He said the fatalities had been caused by the impact of the crash. “None of our martyrs and injured had burn scars,” he added.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim also said bad weather conditions and poor visibility may have contributed to the crash. “We have no clear information. There are reports that there are injured and dead,” he said in Izmir, western Turkey.

The helicopters’ occupants had been to the Giresun-Alucra and Gumushane-Kozagac gendarmerie commands for Eid al-Fitr celebrations before returning to Giresun. The first day of the holiday traditionally sees people visit their families.

The premier and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan both telephoned Gen. Hulusi Akar, chief of the general staff, in the wake of the crash.

The army did not provide further information as to the identities of the casualties.

An investigation team is expected to arrive on Wednesday.