An avalanche swept through Palandoken mountain where the Turkish youth national judo team was training, resulting in one athlete, 16-year-old Emre Yazgan, being seriously injured and four others hurt, according to the Turkish Health Ministry.

During their morning training, five athletes from the 13-member team were caught in the avalanche in an area devoid of ski slopes. Provincial Disaster and Emergency Director Selahattin Karsli described the rescue efforts, stating: "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 confirmed that rescue operations have concluded, with all judokas safely accounted for.

The Health Ministry further reported that the four other injured athletes are receiving medical treatment, while Emre Yazgan's condition remains critical, with ongoing care in intensive care.

This tragic event has cast a somber shadow over the sports community, highlighting the dangers of training in extreme environments. (ILKHA)