Iran Prez Ebrahim Raisi dead: Severely burnt bodies make identification difficult at scene of chopper crash

IranPresident Ebrahim Raisi, andthe country's Foreign MinisterHossein Amirabdollahianweredeclared dead on Monday (May 20)after their bodieswere found at the crash site in a mountainous area in northwest Iran.

Media outlets, both Iranian and international, have shown pictures of the crash site where Raisi's helicopter lay in pieces on a mountain slope.

Crash site of helicopter carrying Ebrahim Raisi. Credits: AFP

One of the photos shared on social media showed the helicopter's overturned tail in a grassy area.

Iranian officials have also stated that some of the bodies suffered severe burns, making it difficult to identify individuals at the scene, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The were total of 9 people on board when the helicopter crashed.

Raisi was travelling in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province when what state TV described as a "hard landing" occurred near Jolfa, a city on the border with Azerbaijan, approximately 600 kilometres (375 miles) northwest of Tehran.

Subsequently, state TV revised the location to be further east, near the village of Uzi, although there were conflicting details about the exact location.

According to the Tasnim news agency, Raisi’s convoy had three helicopters, and the other two "arrived safely at their destination". IRNA news agency reported that over 60 rescue teams, with the help of search dogs and drones, were dispatched to the mountainous protected forest area of Dizmar near Varzaghan town. Authorities stated that army, Revolutionary Guard, and police personnel were involved in the search effort. Television stations aired images of Red Crescent teams ascending a mist-covered hill and lines of emergency response vehicles waiting at the scene.

BREAKING: TRANSFERRING OF BODIES FROM HELICOPTER CRASH INVOLVING IRAN PRESIDENT RAISI pic.twitter.com/b8J78VC0S0 — Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) May 20, 2024

IRNA referred to the location as a "forest," although the area is known for its mountainous terrain. State TV showed footage of SUVs navigating through wooded areas, noting that operations were hindered by challenging weather conditions such as heavy rain and strong winds. Rescuers were shown walking through fog and mist during the search efforts.

Other countries offered help

In a bid to lend a helping hand to Iran, Russia announced that it would dispatch a team from its Ministry of Emergency Situations to assist Iran in locating President Raisi's helicopter. The team comprised 47 specialists equipped with vehicles and a BO-105 helicopter. Iraq and the European Union also offered assistance, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar expressed solidarity and readiness to support Iran during this challenging time.

Also watch | Ebrahim Raisi news: Iran President Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdollahian killed in chopper crash

Raisi, aged 63, had recently overseen increased tensions in the Middle East, including launching a significant drone and missile attack on Israel during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Under his leadership, Iran also enriched uranium to levels close to weapons-grade and supplied armed drones to Russia for its actions in Ukraine, while supporting militia groups across the region.

(With inputs from agencies)