The images from the plane crash, Boeing 737-800, at the second largest airport in Istanbul are shocking. The plane was cut in three when it left the runway, but there were no dead. Turkish media reported 120 injured who were taken to local hospitals.
At least 120 people have been injured and taken to hospitals, according to Istanbul Governor Ali Gerlikaya.
"There are no dead, there are injured, we are releasing them," Transport Minister Chahit Turan said earlier.
The runway was slippery due to heavy rainfall in Istanbul.
The incident occurred during the landing process and the aircraft, after exhausting the boundaries of the runway without being able to stop, was found to leave it and fall into an adjacent field which in fact had a large altitude difference from the runway.
Due to the violent impact, the plane was cut into three pieces with the front completely separating from the rest of the fuselage and the rear, close to the tail section, remaining in place.
This is the second time in the same month that a plane of the specific company leaves the runway and in fact at the same airport. The previous incident took place on January 7, but then the exit was much "milder" and no injuries were reported.
https://twitter.com/myatasever/status/1225078471002664962
Sabiha Gökçen also flew in three different directions https://t.co/JaqM0xgdJN pic.twitter.com/SsoEKGhOdr
- Sputnik Türkiye (@sputnik_TR) February 5, 2020
Police and Fire Brigade forces have rushed to the spot. According to CNN Turk, part of the aircraft was engulfed in flames. Unfavorable weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, due to the continuous rain.
The plane belongs to Pegasus Airlines, the largest charter company in the neighboring country.
It is based at Istanbul Ataturk Airport and flies to Turkish tourist resorts in northern and southern Europe. It also rents aircraft and crews to other companies. Antalya Airport has a secondary base.
Flights scheduled to Sabiha Gokcen will be operated from Istanbul's other airport.
#Istanbul: Aircraft izletio s piste tokom slijetanja https://t.co/1QitpqeDA2 # sabihagökçen pic.twitter.com/WOY6hXjpvh
- ANADOLU AGENCY (BHS) (@aa_balkans) February 5, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8MMvJspoaH/?utm_source=ig_embed
Source: e-daily