Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and several government officials were involved in a harrowing helicopter crash earlier today, leaving rescuers scrambling to reach the remote crash site in the mountainous East Azerbaijan Province.
The crash occurred amid dense fog and extreme cold, exacerbating rescue efforts.
The helicopter, carrying President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other high-ranking officials, went down in a northern region of Iran, according to state news agency IRNA.
In a still from a video released by Tasnim News, search and rescue teams continue their search in East Azerbaijan, Iran.
Despite hours of searching, officials have yet to reach the crash site, although the exact location has been determined through signals from the aircraft.
Rescue vehicles are seen following the crash of a helicopter carrying Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi in Varzaqan, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, on May 19. This third-party photo was provided by Moj News Agency and West Asia News Agency. Azin Haghighi/Moj News Agency/West Asia News Agency/Reuters
Initial reports suggest that nine individuals were onboard, including three officials, an imam, and members of the flight and security teams. Among them were President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian.
In this third-party photo provided by the Islamic Republic News Agency and West Asia News Agency, a helicopter carrying Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi takes off near the Iran-Azerbaijan border on May 19.
Iranian authorities have expressed appreciation for the support offered by numerous nations and international organizations during the search and rescue operation.
Turkey and Russia, in particular, have announced plans to send aircraft and rescuers to assist in the search efforts.
A screen grab from an IRIB via Tasnim News video shows Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on a helicopter in Iran on May 19.
The crash has prompted an outpouring of concern and sympathy from regional leaders, including Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Iraq.
Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed hope for the safe return of President Raisi and his companions, urging the Iranian people not to worry about disruptions to the country’s affairs.
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