Tragedy struck Iran yesterday as a helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi and several high-ranking officials crashed in the country’s mountainous northwest region. The 63-year-old president was among those who lost their lives in the crash.
Other victims included Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Governor of Eastern Azerbaijan province Malek Rahmati, Tabriz’s Friday prayer Imam Mohammad Ali Alehashem, and four crew members.
According to Iranian media, all nine individuals on board have been confirmed dead.
Footage released by the IRNA on Monday morning showed the helicopter crash site situated across a steep valley in a green mountain range. Soldiers speaking in the local Azeri language were heard saying, ‘There it is, we found it.’ Upon locating the wreckage, search teams confirmed that there was no sign of life.
According to Iranian protocol, Mohammad Mokhber, the 68-year-old first vice president, will assume the role of interim president following the death of President Raisi as reported by state media.