Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Feared Dead in Helicopter Crash

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is feared dead after state TV reported on Monday morning that there was “no sign of life” at the site of a helicopter crash. Reuters cited an Iranian official stating that the helicopter was “completely burned” in the crash.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society announced that they had located the wreckage of President Raisi’s helicopter early today. The location was detected by a Turkish Akinci unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Iran-based Press TV reported that no living persons were found at the crash site, according to Iranian rescue teams. An official commented on the dire situation, stating, “The condition is not good,” as reported by the state news agency IRNA. He added that “73 rescue teams are present in the search area of the helicopter in Tawal village with advanced and specialized equipment.”

President Raisi was returning to Iran following a visit to Azerbaijan when the helicopter went down in bad weather conditions on Sunday afternoon. Nine people were on board, including three officials, an imam, and flight and security team members, as reported by Tasnim news agency.

The IRGC-run media outlet Sepah detailed that the nine included President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Governor of Eastern Azerbaijan province Malek Rahmati, Tabriz’s Friday prayer Imam Mohammad Ali Alehashem, along with a pilot, copilot, crew chief, head of security, and another bodyguard.

Following the reported crash, several countries have offered assistance in the ongoing search operations. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the incident, stating that India stands in solidarity with the people of Iran during this difficult time. PM Modi also said he is praying for the well-being of Raisi and the leaders accompanying him onboard the helicopter.

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