Seven people dead after helicopter crashes into TV tower in Istanbul

The helicopter crashed after taking off from Ataturk Airport in Istanbul. Credit: AP/Lefteris Pitarakis

At least seven people have been killed after a helicopter reportedly crashed into a television tower in dense fog on the outskirts of Istanbul.

Istanbul's governor Vasip Sahin said the helicopter, which belonged to a private company, crashed after taking off from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport and came down on a highway on the edge of the city.

Mr Sahin said the cause of the crash is under investigation.

Dogan news agency said seven people were on board the helicopter. Credit: DHA-Depo Photos via AP
There were seven people on board the helicopter including four Russians. Credit: APTN

The private Dogan news agency said the people on board included four Russian nationals, a Turkish citizen and two pilots.

Video footage from the site showed thick black smoke rising from the highway and wreckage scattered on the road.