A Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed just minutes after takeoff from the 9th Main Jet Base in Balikesir, killing the pilot in a devastating military aviation disaster. Radio and radar contact with the aircraft were suddenly lost before the jet went down near the Istanbul-Izmir highway, triggering a massive emergency response.

A powerful magnitude 6.1 earthquake has struck western Turkey, sending shockwaves through Balikesir province and causing buildings to collapse again in Sindirgi — a city already scarred by past tremors. The quake was felt across Istanbul, Bursa, Manisa, and Izmir, forcing terrified residents into the streets. Officials confirm no deaths so far, but 22 injuries were reported as panic gripped the region.