Helicopter carrying party leader crashes in Turkey

There were conflicting reports on the condition of the party leader Muhsin Yazicioglu and five others, including the pilot.Â

 

President Abdullah Gul told reporters at a televised live conference that rescuers have not been able to reach the crash site yet.

 

The broadcaster NTV reported snow storm started in the area surrounding the crash site, prompting concerns that the rescue efforts will be jeopardized.

 

BBP officials said an official announcement will be made by the prime ministry's crisis desk regarding the crash, TV channels reported.

 

The helicopter had been returning from a political rally in the southeastern province of Kahramanmaras.

 

An air ambulance was dispatched from the capital Ankara to the scene of the accident, officials told Anatolian Agency. The accident happened just days ahead of the March 29 local elections.Â

 

A reporter from Ihlas News Agency, who was traveling in the helicopter, had said that all the other passengers were killed in the accident, ANKA News Agency said.