A Turkish Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing after the sudden death of the pilot mid-flight. Passengers were safely evacuated, and investigations are underway into the incident.

A Turkish Airlines flight traveling from Seattle to Istanbul had to make an emergency landing in New York after one of the pilots collapsed during the journey, confirmed by the airline on Wednesday.

The incident took place shortly after the flight left Seattle on Tuesday evening. Despite prompt attempts to provide first aid, the 59-year-old pilot passed away before the aircraft could land, according to a statement shared on social media by Turkish Airlines spokesperson Yahya Ustun.

The Airbus A350, serving as flight TK204, was redirected to New York by the co-pilot and remaining crew members. The pilot had been with the airline since 2007 and underwent a routine medical examination in March that revealed no health issues.