Investigation into the Tragic Helicopter Crash of Former President Ebrahim Raïssi
In May, Iran faced a devastating tragedy with the helicopter crash that claimed the life of former President Ebrahim Raïssi. The general staff of the Iranian armed forces has firmly denied allegations from the local Fars news agency, stating that the accident was partially due to an overload of the aircraft. According to Fars, the investigation concluded that bad weather conditions and an inability of the helicopter to gain altitude contributed to the crash, which occurred while Raïssi was returning from the inauguration of a dam on the border with Azerbaijan.
Denial of Overloading Claims
The Iranian military has publicly refuted claims regarding the presence of two additional passengers beyond the safety protocols, labeling such information as completely false. This statement was made in response to Fars’ report, which suggested that the helicopter was overloaded, leading to its tragic downfall. The investigation has reportedly confirmed the accident theory, ruling out any criminal activities, including electronic jamming or hacking that could have compromised the helicopter's systems.
Conclusion of the Investigation
The investigation into the crash has been declared “completely completed” by the Iranian military. They found no traces of chemical agents or harmful substances at the crash site. Ebrahim Raïssi, aged 63, was accompanied by seven others, including foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, when the helicopter went down in the mountainous northwest of Iran, amidst rain and thick fog. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding aviation safety protocols and the responsibilities of those in charge of such flights.
