4 soldiers killed in helicopter crash in Istanbul

Ali Yerlikaya told reporters the helicopter crashed near a residential area in Cekmekoy district at 6.51 p.m. local time (1551GMT).

The cause of the crash remains unknown, he added.

The National Defense Ministry confirmed the death toll on Twitter and said an investigation into the crash had been launched. "Following a comprehensive investigation, the results will be shared," it said.

The Anadolu 3rd Penal Court of Peace in Istanbul imposed a broadcast ban on the incident.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a condolence message in the ensuing hours.  "We deeply feel the pain of our losses with our nation," he said. 

Last November, another UH-1 military helicopter crashed in Sancaktepe district, leaving four soldiers dead and another wounded.

Based on Hurriyet