Pegasus plane slides off the runway at Sabiha Gokcen Airport, in Istanbul

Trying to land at Sabiha Gökçen Airport in the evening, Pegasus Aviation flight from Istanbul to Izmir took off from the runway. As the aircraft broke into 3 pieces, flames were seen rising from the aircraft. The airport was temporarily closed to flights.

The Pegasus Aviation flight from Izmir to Istanbul took off from the runway at Sabiha Gökçen Airport after landing over the sea. Officials said the plane had crashed from an altitude of 30-40 meters, and drifted after which it was split into three pieces.

A large number of firefighters and paramedics were dispatched to the scene following the incident. The fire on the plane was extinguished by firefighters. Passengers on the damaged plane were evacuated.

Meanwhile, planes that were supposed to land at Sabiha Gökçen Airport were diverted to Istanbul airport.

It is reported that none of 177 passengers on the plane have lost their lives, but some are injured. Ali Yerlikaya, the governor of Istanbul, said of the 171 passengers and 6 crew on board the plane, 21 people with injuries were taken to hospital.