Information on the Raisi helicopter accident
During their return journey from Azerbaijan, Iran's President Raisi and seven others were on a helicopter that crashed in the mountainous landscapes of Iran. Raisi, who was considered the successor to the aged Supreme Leader, passed away along with Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian and others. Let's take a closer look at how this incident unfolded, the crash site and its discovery, the people on board, and the aftermath, including any possible theories on the cause of the accident.
What happened?
Raisi and Amirabdollahian were on their way back from a meeting with the President of Azerbaijan when their helicopter disappeared from radar in dense fog. The three-helicopter entourage didn't make it to its destination. The military later described the crash as a "hard landing."
Where did the presidential plane crash?
The crash site was identified in the forest area of Dismar near the town of Warsaghan, in the province of East Azerbaijan. The Turkish air force had detected a suspicious heat source on the ground, which they believed to be the helicopter wreckage, and took aerial photos to help in the search. The coordinates were then provided to the Iranian authorities.
Why did the search operation take so long?
The search operation was delayed due to several factors. The weather conditions were unfavorable, with heavy rain, snow, fog, and wind, making it impossible for search helicopters to fly. Furthermore, the crash site was located in a rugged, mountainous region that was poorly developed. The rescuers were forced to search on foot in the dark.
Who was on board the ill-fated plane?
Apart from Raisi and Amirabdollahian, the plane carried Malek Rahmati, the newly appointed governor of East Azerbaijan province, and the representative of the Supreme Leader in that province, an imam from Tabriz, Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashim, as well as Raisi's protection unit head, a bodyguard, the helicopter's pilot, co-pilot, and a flight technician.
Are there any survivors?
There were no survivors from the crash. The passengers' remains were identified despite severe burns, and their bodies were taken to Tabriz, the capital of the province of East Azerbaijan. According to reports, Imam Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashim was alive for an hour after the crash and managed to contact the presidential office before succumbing to his injuries.
What type of helicopter was involved?
The President was traveling in a Bell 212 helicopter manufactured in the USA. The Bell 212 is a multi-purpose helicopter used in various fields, including on-board helicopters.
How did the crash happen?
Various factors have been speculated as to the cause of the accident. While bad weather, a technical defect in the helicopter, or even sabotage are all possible, there's no official clarity on the matter yet. It's worth noting that Iran's air force is known for its outdated equipment and slow modernization due to international sanctions, making it difficult to obtain spare parts. This often leads to serious accidents and crashes.
How did the Iranian people react to the news of the accident?
The Iranian people were shocked by the tragic incident. Mourning ceremonies were held for the victims, and condolences poured in from across the country and the world. The interim President, especially, was devastated by the event, given his close connection to Raisi. President Raisi himself was a controversial figure, as he had a history of human rights abuses and repression of dissidents. Nonetheless, the grief expressed was widespread and heartfelt across different social and political groups.
On Monday night, a large gathering of government supporters converged at religious sites and mosques in Iran. They prayed for the late president and braced themselves for potential turmoil. State media acknowledged Raisi's tenure with fond remembrances, but social media presented a contrasting image. Many Iranians celebrated his death, sharing their delight and bragging about it. Bonfires blazed in Tehran, adding to the visuals. Raisi's term in office was marred by allegations of incompetence and harsh oppression. He earned the derogatory moniker "Butcher of Tehran" for his role as a public prosecutor, during which he reportedly ordered multiple arrests and executions of political rebels in 1988.
What's next in the wake of this tragedy?
Supreme Leader Khamenei announced five days of national mourning and offered his condolences to the Iranian populace. Lebanon and Syria followed suit by ordering three days of national mourning each. Moving forward, Raisi's deputy, Mohammed Mochber, will handle official duties. Khamenei also instructed Mochber, along with the heads of the judiciary and parliament, to organize fresh elections within 50 days. Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri, who played a pivotal role in the nuclear talks with the West, has been appointed as the interim foreign minister.
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Following the helicopter crash in Iran, international leaders and organizations expressed their condolences for the loss of Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and other prominent officials. Despite the incident taking place in an aircraft, it's important to note that Raisi was not traveling in a plane, but rather in a Bell 212 helicopter.
As discussions continue regarding the cause of the crash, some are pointing out Iran's history of using outdated aviation equipment and the challenges this presents in obtaining necessary spare parts, which could have contributed to the accident.
Source: www.ntv.de
