A fire broke out in a forested area in Kızlarsekisi neighborhood at around 3:45 pm for unknown reasons. Following the report, Forest Regional Directorate teams, 2 firefighting helicopters, and firetrucks were dispatched to the area. A “Mi-8” type helicopter attempting to collect water from the Gökdere Dam on the Göksu River to intervene in the flames crashed at around 4:20 pm. Numerous teams were sent to the area for the 5 crew members, 3 of which were Russian nationals, on board the crashed helicopter.
The 5 personnel rescued were transported to the hospital by helicopter after receiving medical intervention at the scene. The fire was brought under control with the intervention of the teams, and cooling efforts are ongoing in the region. Adana Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger stated that 2 helicopters took off to intervene in the forest fire in Kızlarsekisi neighborhood. Köşger confirmed that one of the helicopters crashed while collecting water, but all 5 personnel onboard survived, and there were no health issues.
Kozan District Governor Bahattin Alp Arslanköylü expressed gratitude that the 5 crew members were rescued healthy and immediately transferred to the hospital by the Turkish Armed Forces helicopter. He added that intervention efforts were ongoing at the fire scene. Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı, through his social media account, expressed relief that the 5 staff members on the helicopter were rescued safely. He thanked the dedicated crew and all the institutions and personnel supporting the fight against forest fires.
Soner Birdir, who rescued the 5 personnel from the helicopter with his motorized boat named “Deryam-01,” mentioned that he and his brother went to the scene upon learning of the incident from his neighbor Selvi Yıldız. Birdir said they found the staff trying not to sink in the water, and they safely brought them to the shore with the boat. Yıldız also mentioned that Birdir responded quickly by using his motorboat after hearing about the accident. The greatest consolation for everyone involved was that all the staff onboard were rescued safely.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya extended his best wishes for the accident through his social media account. He emphasized that the greatest consolation was the safe rescue of the 5 personnel on the helicopter and expressed his thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the General Directorate of Forestry personnel, and all those who were fighting against forest fires. AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik also shared a ‘get well soon’ post on social media. He expressed his gratitude to all those who selflessly protect the Green Homeland and wished for the recovery of the staff.
The General Directorate of Forestry also issued a statement regarding the incident. They stated that the Mi-8 helicopter, which was leased and used by the General Directorate, crashed for unknown reasons while collecting water from the Gökdere Dam on the Göksu River during efforts to control the forest fire that started at 3:45 pm. The 5 crew members, 3 of whom were Russian citizens, survived the crash with injuries. The General Directorate extended their best wishes to their crew and the nation, thanking everyone who supported them in the fight against forest fires.
