Date: Monday, May 20, 2024
Location: Jolfa region, East Azerbaijan province, Iran
Summary:
Iranian media outlets have reported the death of President Ebrahim Raisi following a helicopter crash, though there has been no official confirmation yet. The incident occurred in the mountainous protected forest area of Dizmar near the town of Varzaghan amid poor weather conditions.
Details:
On Sunday, Iranian state television reported a helicopter carrying President Raisi was involved in an accident.
The crash site was in the Jolfa region of East Azerbaijan province.
Early Monday, Iran’s Red Crescent chief Pirhossein Koolivand confirmed rescue teams had located the helicopter and were heading towards the site.
State TV reported no signs of life among the passengers as of yet.
Local media shared images of what appeared to be the wreckage of the helicopter.
Circumstances:
President Raisi was on an official trip to inaugurate a dam project with Azeri counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, on the border between Iran and Azerbaijan.
The convoy included three helicopters; two landed safely in Tabriz, while communication with Raisi’s helicopter was lost.
Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi described the incident as a “hard landing due to the weather conditions.”
Onboard Passengers:
Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
Governor of East Azerbaijan province
Province’s main imam
Response:
A total of 73 rescue teams were deployed for the search.
The Red Crescent utilized search dogs and drones.
Military personnel, Revolutionary Guards, and police were also involved in the operation.
State TV showed rescue teams on steep slopes, attempting to reach the crash site amidst thick fog.
Next Steps:
Under Iran’s constitution, Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber is expected to assume presidential duties.
Presidential elections should be arranged within 50 days following Raisi’s death.
This tragic incident has left the nation in shock, and further updates are awaited as rescue operations continue.
