The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia announced that, following three days of continuous joint search operations by Georgian and Turkish authorities, the bodies of all 20 crew members who were aboard the Turkish military aircraft have been recovered at the crash site in the Sighnaghi municipality and its surrounding area.
Minister of Internal Affairs Gela Geladze says the final body was located earlier today.
“The bodies of all 20 crew members have been found. Yesterday, 19 bodies were transported to the morgue. About half an hour ago, the twentieth body was located. Forensic experts and the investigative team continue to work at the site,” Geladze said.
He added that all technical equipment and aircraft fragments relevant to the investigation have been identified and examined, and expert analysis is underway.
“All technical equipment and plane fragments important for the investigation have been examined, and expert analysis is ongoing. Over a thousand people participated in the investigative and rescue operations, including representatives from both Georgia and Turkey. I want to thank the units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Defense Forces, and the Turkish side for their work,” the minister noted.
The Turkish military plane crashed on November 11, approximately five kilometers from the Georgian state border, while flying from Azerbaijan to Turkey. Georgian authorities have launched an investigation under Article 275, Part 4 of the Criminal Code, which concerns violations of air transport safety or operational rules resulting in loss of life.
