Iran president Ebrahim Raisi killed in helicopter accident: what caused the crash?
Although Raisi’s death hasn’t been officially confirmed, “no signs of life” were found at the crash site by medics.
State media in Iran has reported that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, and several other people have been killed in a helicopter crash.
Helicopter carrying Raisi crashes in foggy, mountainous region
It had been revealed on Sunday that the helicopter they were travelling in had come down in a mountainous region in the northwest of the country. Initially, it was said the incident had occurred near the city of Jolfa and the border with Azerbaijan, although later state TV reports suggested the tragedy had actually taken place further east, near the village of Uzi.
Although no immediate cause has been given for the accident, the area in which the remains of the helicopter was found is often covered in heavy fog, which may have contributed to have the crash. Search and rescue efforts were made much more difficult for that reason.
No official confirmation of Raisi death, but “no signs of life”
A Turkish drone was first to identify the crash site, which rescuers immediately rushed to after the accident was reported.
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After a lengthy search in difficulty weather, media outlets in Iran reported that “no signs of life” had been found by medics and that the whole cabin of the helicopter had been completely burned, with some bodies burned beyond recognition.
63-year-old Raisi’s death has yet to be officially confirmed by Iran, although tributes to the president and Amirabdollahian, along with messages of condolence, have already been shared.