The Iranian government held an emergency meeting chaired by Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber on Monday following the official announcement of the death of President Ebrahim Raisi.
Raisi tragically lost his life in a helicopter accident that occurred on Sunday, May 19, 2024. He and other officials were travelling to Tabriz City after Raisi had inaugurated the Qiz Qalasi Dam at the border with the Azerbaijan Republic.
Among those onboard, the helicopter were Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, East Azarbaijan Province’s Governor Malek Rahmati, Mehdi Mousavi, the head of Mr. Raisi’s security detail, and Mohammad Ali Al-e-Hashem, the Supreme Leader’s representative in the province. Unfortunately, there were no survivors from the crash.
Reports indicate that the helicopter experienced a “hard landing” near Jolfa, a city bordering Azerbaijan, approximately 600km (375 miles) northwest of Tehran, the Iranian capital.
“Some unconfirmed reports say that the helicopter carrying President Raisi has had an accident in East Azerbaijan province.”
Disclosing that rescue efforts were underway, the news outlet added, “The harsh weather conditions and heavy fog have made it difficult for the rescue teams to reach the accident site,” The State TV said.
The crash was described as an accident and no foul play was detected according to Chuck Schumer, the United States Senate majority leader.
“No evidence of foul play” in the helicopter crash. It was very bad, foggy weather, in northwest Iran where the copter crashed. So it looks like an accident, but it’s still being fully investigated.”
