A helicopter crash has been confirmed by Iran, as the country continues to search for its president, Ebrahim Raisi, who was on board the aircraft when it went down in a remote area of the country on Sunday. According to CNN, Iranian officials have confirmed the crash and have made contact with two of the individuals who were on board the helicopter with Raisi, but their names have not yet been released to the public.
Initial reports suggested that Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and an imam were also on board the helicopter along with Raisi and the crew. This has raised concerns for the safety and well-being of these individuals, as Iranian officials have stated that their lives are at risk. Reuters reported that a government official, who has not been named, expressed concerns about the information coming from the crash site and the well-being of those on board.
As of 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Iranian officials have located the precise location of the crash, according to CNN. However, due to the country being seven and a half hours ahead of the U.S. Eastern Time zone, it may take some time for rescue and recovery efforts to begin.
State news agency IRNA reported that military teams are on their way to the crash site and have received a signal from the helicopter as well as a crew member’s mobile phone. However, rescue efforts are facing challenging conditions, as reported by Ali Bahadori Jahromi, a representative for the Iranian government. He stated that rescue teams are facing difficult and complicated conditions, likely due to the remote and rugged area of the crash.
Iran President Helicopter Crash: Rescue Team Tries To Locate Impact Location | VIDEOhttps://t.co/dst0qTeRbT
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) May 19, 2024
Raisi was returning from a trip to Azerbaijan where he was attending the dedication of a new dam before the crash occurred, as reported by USA Today. The helicopter involved was a Bell 212, capable of carrying 15 individuals including a pilot and 14 passengers. The Interior Minister, Ahmad Vahidi, stated on state TV that the helicopter was forced to make a hard landing due to the bad weather and fog.
Around 20 rescue teams and drones have been dispatched to the area, according to IRNA. However, the search and recovery efforts may be hindered by the difficult terrain and weather. The area is mountainous and covered in fog, making it challenging for rescue teams to reach the crash site in a timely manner.
In the event of Raisi’s death, First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber would become the new president, pending approval from Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as reported by The Washington Post. This highlights the gravity of the situation and the impact it could have on Iran’s political landscape.
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Thick fog and darkness covered the area where Iranian President helicopter crashed.#Iran pic.twitter.com/G3jHXz7WFI— Faisal Khan (@KaliwalYam) May 19, 2024
Rescue and recovery efforts are underway, but challenging conditions may hinder the process. The potential loss of Raisi could have significant implications for Iran’s government, making this a developing and critical situation.
Rumors circulating that his helicopter was downed by Israeli space lasers have Iranian officals vowing war if found to be true.