Details Emerge About Helicopter Crash Involving President Raisi
Iran has been engulfed in uncertainty over the fate of President Ebrahim Raisi after his helicopter made a hard landing in the mountainous region of East Azerbaijan. The incident has prompted a large-scale search and rescue operation involving local and international efforts.
According to Esmaili, the Iranian Presidential Secretary General, there were originally three helicopters flying together with the presidential aircraft. Esmaili, who was in a separate helicopter, reported that weather conditions were initially clear, but after approximately 30 minutes of flight, clouds were observed in the valley. The pilot of the presidential plane attempted to avoid the clouds by increasing altitude, but the plane soon disappeared from sight.
Efforts to track the helicopter through radio communication failed, and Esmaili’s helicopter was forced to land at a nearby copper mine. Though initial attempts to contact those aboard the presidential plane via radio were unsuccessful, Esmaili eventually managed to reach an Islamic law scholar on the plane, who revealed that the aircraft had crashed into a ravine. The scholar mentioned feeling unwell and being surrounded by trees, unable to see other passengers.
The Iranian Interior Minister, Ahmad Vahidi, highlighted the challenging conditions hindering search and rescue efforts, which were further complicated by heavy rain and fog. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on the nation to pray for Raisi and his companions' safe return.
International Response
In the wake of the crash, several nations including Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia have expressed their willingness to assist in the search and rescue operations. The Iranian Armed Forces were instructed to use all available resources, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and police forces, to aid the rescue mission. More than 40 rapid response teams have been deployed to the area, with search efforts primarily conducted on foot due to the difficult terrain.
The exact location of the crash site was identified after a signal was received from one of the crew member’s cell phones. Rescue teams had been impeded by the region's steep and wooded landscape. Despite these difficulties, authorities remain hopeful. The EU and the US are closely monitoring the situation, with various international leaders expressing their hopes for the safe recovery of President Raisi and his entourage.
- Rescue teams continue to face immense challenges as they navigate the rugged terrain in East Azerbaijan. The unpredictability of the weather adds another layer of complexity to the operations. Helicopters are on standby to assist as soon as visibility permits.
- Several towns and cities in Iran have seen impromptu prayers as citizens hold vigil for their president. The national mood remains tense with a mixture of hope and concern.
- Local media have been providing continuous updates, urging the public to rely on official sources for information. Public figures and celebrities have taken to social media, voicing their prayers and support for the rescue efforts.
- In addition to local efforts, international aid and assistance from neighboring countries highlight the critical nature of the incident and the broad diplomatic support Iran has garnered during this crisis.
