At least 10 firefighters and rescue workers died, and 14 others were injured, while battling a wildfire in Turkey's northwestern Eskisehir province on Wednesday. Five forestry workers and five rescuers perished when a sudden shift in wind direction engulfed their group. The victims were swiftly transported to a hospital, but 10 succumbed to their injuries. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli confirmed the deaths and ongoing treatment for the injured. He also warned of continued extreme heat and volatile wind conditions expected on Thursday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed condolences and praised the victims' sacrifice. Two prosecutors have been assigned to investigate the incident. These deaths bring the total wildfire fatalities in Turkey this year to 13. Earlier this month, an elderly man and two forestry workers died in a separate wildfire near Odemis in Izmir province.

Impact Statement: The incident highlights the significant risks faced by firefighters combating wildfires, particularly under extreme weather conditions. The investigation will likely focus on the circumstances that led to the firefighters becoming trapped.