Avalanche claims life of 16-year-old judoka in Türkiye’s Erzurum

An avalanche struck Turkish youth national judo team training on Palandoken mountain in Erzurum, leaving 16-year-old Emre Yazgan seriously injured and other four athletes hurt, Turkish health ministry stated.

Yazgan passed away in the intensive care unit despite all medical efforts, according to the ministry’s latest statement. The remaining four injured athletes are reported to be in stable condition and continue to receive treatment under close observation, the ministry added.

According to local authorities, five athletes from a 13-member youth national judo team camping in Palandoken were caught in an avalanche during their morning training session.

Provincial Disaster and Emergency Director Selahattin Karsli stated that the avalanche in Palandoken occurred in an area without ski slopes, saying, “Individuals were rescued with the help of the gendarmerie and their own efforts. One of our athletes was pulled out from two meters under the snow. It is likely that he has fractures in his neck and certain other areas of his body.”

Erzurum Governor Mustafa Ciftci announced rescue operations have been completed and all judokas have been rescued.