In a tragic development, it has been confirmed that there are no survivors from the Iranian helicopter crash, as reported by the Iranian State News Agency IRINN. The crash involved a helicopter carrying high-ranking officials, including President Ebrahim Raisi, who has been confirmed dead.
Following the crash, intensive search operations were initiated amid widespread prayers for the safety of President Raisi, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, East Azarbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, and other dignitaries on board. Despite efforts supported by various countries and the European Union to locate the crash site and survivors, the outcome has been grim. According to Iran’s Press TV, “Rescue teams identify President Ebrahim Raisi’s crashed chopper…No clue of any living persons in President Raeisi’s search following Sunday chopper crash.” Both the Iranian State News Agency IRINN and the semi-official Mehr News confirmed that no survivors had been found.
Local media reported that “Upon finding the helicopter, there was no sign of the helicopter passengers being alive as of yet.” The head of Iran’s Red Crescent, Pirhossein Kolivand, described the situation as “not looking good.”
The helicopter crash occurred near Jolfa, a city on the border with Azerbaijan, approximately 600 kilometers (375 miles) northwest of Tehran. Reports indicate that President Raisi was returning from a visit to neighboring Azerbaijan.
Nine individuals were onboard the helicopter, including President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, East Azarbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, Tabriz’s Friday prayer Imam Mohammad Ali Alehashem, the pilot, copilot, crew chief, head of security, and another bodyguard. Heavy rains, fog, and wind are believed to have caused the crash, with some sources describing it as a “hard landing.”
In response to the crash on Sunday, the chief of staff of Iran’s army mobilized all army and Revolutionary Guards resources for the search and rescue operations. By early Monday, rescue teams were seen in social media visuals wearing bright jackets and head torches, navigating a pitch-black mountainside in a blizzard with the aid of GPS devices.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reassured the nation that there would be no disruption to state affairs despite the tragedy. Global leaders expressed their concern and offered assistance in the rescue operations. Countries including Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Russia, Turkey, and the European Union pledged their support, with the EU activating its rapid response mapping service to aid in the search effort.
The helicopter, identified as a Bell 212, is versatile and used for police operations, medical transport, troop transport, the energy industry, and firefighting. According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, the Bell 212, developed in the late 1960s for the Canadian military, can carry 15 people, including the crew.
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