A video released by Iranian state media shows President Ebrahim Raisi calmly seated inside a helicopter moments before it crashed in a remote mountainous area. Raisi, Iran's 13th President, was declared deceased by Iranian media following extensive searches near the country's border with Azerbaijan.
Accompanying Raisi on the ill-fated flight were Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, Imam Seyyed Mohammad-Ali Al-Hashem, and other high-ranking officials.
Reports indicate that the helicopter crashed approximately 30 minutes after departing from Azerbaijan, navigating through challenging weather conditions characterized by heavy clouds and dense fog.
The tragic incident occurred as Raisi was returning home after participating in the inauguration of a dam alongside Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev. The helicopter, a US-made Bell 212, was transporting the Iranian President, who also previously served as the country's Chief Justice.
Due to adverse weather and low visibility, rescue operations faced significant challenges. Assistance from the European Union and Turkey aided in the extensive search-and-rescue efforts. However, dense fog and plummeting temperatures delayed rescuers, who reached the crash site only after 12 hours.
Footage and images from the scene depict debris scattered across the area, with the helicopter reportedly sustaining substantial damage and complete combustion upon impact.
In the wake of Raisi's passing, Mohammad Mokhber, Iran's first Vice President, is expected to assume the role of interim president.
