Iranian President Raisi Killed in Helicopter Crash

On Monday, Iranian news agencies reported that a helicopter crash killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in East Azerbaijan Province. The helicopter crashed in steep terrain and freezing conditions. Rescue teams found the burnt remains of the helicopter.

A senior Iranian official confirmed that all passengers, including President Raisi and the foreign minister, died. This official spoke anonymously because of the sensitive nature of the situation.

Images from the crash site show the helicopter collided with a mountain peak. State TV aired footage of the wreckage, and the Iranian Red Crescent Society reported finding no survivors.

Vice President Mohsen Mansouri and state television later confirmed Raisi’s death in official statements. The helicopter was part of a convoy traveling in the northern region of East Azerbaijan Province. The crash site was located between the villages of Uzi and Pir Dawood in the Dizmar forest area, where thick fog and persistent rain severely reduced visibility.

Initial media reports suggested a hard landing due to bad weather, but later updates confirmed a crash. The helicopter faced difficulties while traveling between Khodaafarin and Tabriz. Severe weather conditions, including thick fog and heavy rain, caused the accident.

The Helicopter’s Passengers Included:

• Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi
• Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian
• East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati
• Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, the representative of the Iranian supreme leader to East Azerbaijan

Also Read: Helicopter Carrying Iran’s President Raisi Crashes, Search Operations Ongoing

Iranian Red Crescent Society head Pir-Hossein Kolivand stated that after hours of searching, they found the crash site, but no survivors. The tragic event has deeply impacted Iran, leading to widespread mourning and condolences from leaders worldwide.

Moreover, a volunteer drone team from the Red Crescent’s Relief & Rescue Organization discovered the crash site and provided footage of the wreckage. The difficult weather conditions during the search highlighted the challenges faced by rescue teams.