Helicopter crashes shortly after takeoff in Istanbul, 7 dead

A helicopter with seven passengers on board has crashed in the Turkish city of Istanbul, killing all aboard.

The Sikorsky S-76 helicopter, which is owned by Turkish conglomerate Eczacibasi, came down shortly after takeoff from Istanbul's Ataturk airport on Friday.

"Seven people were killed in the accident. I would like to send my condolences to the loved ones and to the companies they belonged to," Hurriyet daily quoted Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas as saying.

Bulent Eczacibasi, the chairman of the conglomerate, said in a statement that the helicopter was carrying two Turkish pilots and five passengers, including one Turkish executive of the group and "four Russian guests."

The firm's Russian operations chief was reportedly among the guests, who were on their way to another district in the city.

There were no victims on the ground as the road where the helicopter crashed was largely deserted at the time.

"We have no information on the details, the cause of the crash will become evident after the evaluations," the firm's chairman said in an earlier statement.

Turkish media speculated that the incident occurred due to foggy weather.

State media and other reports said the aircraft hit a television tower, but Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin said he was unable to confirm the account, and that investigations were under way.