Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in the country’s northwest on Sunday, reported by Iranian state media and government officials on Monday morning.
The crash also claimed the lives of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Seyyed Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, the Islamic Republic’s representative to East Azerbaijan province, Malek Rahmati, the province’s governor, and the aircraft’s pilot and co-pilot.
No Signs of Life Found Near Iran’s President’s Helicopter Crash Site
The helicopter crashed into the mountains near the town of Tavil, with all passengers feared dead. The wreckage was found burned, with no signs of life according to the head of Iran’s Red Crescent, Pirhossein Kolivand. The crash was initially described as a “hard landing” in foggy weather, complicating search efforts.
Iranian media reported that heat detection guns and drones were used to search for survivors, but the challenging weather and terrain hindered these efforts. The search for the crash site involved over 40 rescue teams, with additional support from Russian rescuers and advanced equipment.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called for prayers for Raisi’s health, and regime religious leaders held prayers across Iran. Meanwhile, US and European officials closely monitored the situation, with the European Union activating its rapid response mapping service to aid in locating the crash site. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences and support for the search efforts.
