Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and eight other passengers have been confirmed dead following a helicopter crash on Sunday, May 19. After hours of searching, the rescue team located the helicopter on the slope of a hill in the Varzaghan region of East Azerbaijan province.
According to verified reports by Mambo Mseto, The Chairman of the Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kolivand, announced that the wreckage of the helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and several other officials has been located. The head of the Red Crescent Society said there was no sign of life, as the helicopter had completely burned out during the crash.
President Ebrahim Rais of Iran gestures during a past event
“The rescue forces reached the remains of the helicopter. Upon discovering the location of the crashed helicopter, no signs of the helicopter’s occupants being alive were observed,” Kolivand said.
“Hopes are fading that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister have survived a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain and icy weather, an Iranian official said, after search teams located the wreckage,” Reuters reported on May 20.
Despite the tragic news, no single world leader has sent messages of condolences as an official report confirming the deaths has yet to be released.
The crash site was located near the border with Azerbaijan, an area known for its rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions. The helicopter, which was en route to a public event, lost contact with air traffic control shortly before the crash.
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Ebrahim Rais
President Raisi, who assumed office in August 2021, was on his way to participate in a series of official engagements when the tragic incident occurred. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves throughout Iran, prompting an outpouring of grief from the nation’s citizens.
The Iranian government has declared a period of national mourning to honor the memory of President Raisi and the other victims of the crash. Investigations into the cause of the accident are underway, with authorities pledging to provide updates as more information becomes available.
