Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has been confirmed dead in a fatal helicopter crash that occurred on Sunday.
The aircraft, which was carrying Raisi and the country’s foreign minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, crashed in the northern region, according to the state-owned IRNA news agency.
The location of the crash was initially unknown until a search party confirmed the passing of the president and identified the crash site. Over 20 rescue teams scoured the area to locate the helicopter. Raisi, who was 63 years old, was elected Iran’s president in 2021.
Iran’s President Raisi Dies in Helicopter Crash
This tragic incident is set to devastate the country. The confirmation of Raisi’s death came after the helicopter was forced down in East Azerbaijan Province. The search, complicated by foggy conditions, involved more than 20 emergency rescue teams and various drones.
Reports indicate that the two officials were accompanied by a selection of dignitaries. The helicopter was transporting the group from the opening ceremony of a new dam on the country’s Azerbaijani border. It crashed upon landing in the Varzaqan region on Sunday.
The immediate response to the crash included Iran’s Red Crescent Relief Forces and various law enforcement agencies. The helicopter was part of a three-craft convoy, with the other two aircraft arriving safely at their destination.