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The tragic helicopter crash involving Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has left all passengers feared dead, as reported by Reuters on Monday. An Iranian official confirmed that President Raisi’s helicopter was engulfed in flames upon impact, leading to grim assumptions about the fate of those on board.
Visibility was severely compromised by heavy fog as the helicopter attempted to navigate mountainous terrain on Sunday. Iranian state media attributed the crash to adverse weather conditions, complicating rescue efforts in East Azerbaijan province. Among the passengers were Governor Malek Rahmati and religious leader Hojjatoleslam Al Hashem.
Despite challenges posed by blizzards and rugged terrain, rescue teams pressed on through the night in search of survivors. Anadolu news agency reported that a Turkish drone detected a potential crash site, aiding Iranian authorities in their search efforts.
The scale of the tragedy prompted the mobilization of resources from Iran’s army and the elite Revolutionary Guard, though progress was hindered by darkness and rainfall. Conflicting reports emerged regarding the discovery of the wreckage, with Iran’s Red Crescent denying initial claims of recovery.
As the nation grappled with the unfolding crisis, prayers were held across the country for President Raisi’s safety. Live coverage broadcasted the arduous search efforts amidst treacherous conditions, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The crash occurred near Varzaghan in a protected forest area, disrupting President Raisi’s visit to East Azerbaijan province, where he was inaugurating a collaborative dam project with Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev. While two helicopters in the convoy landed safely, the one carrying the president tragically met a different fate, leaving a somber mark on the otherwise routine diplomatic engagement.
