Iran: Special investigative agency concludes Ebrahim Raisi helicopter crash caused by 'complicated' weather
Ebrahim Raisi crash
Iran's final investigation into the helicopter crash that killed President Ebrahim Raisi in May has concluded that "complicated" weather conditions were the primary cause.
The nation's State TV reported on Sunday (Sep 1) that thick fog in the mountainous region near the Azerbaijan border led to the fatal accident. The 63-year-old president, who was regarded as a hardliner and a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with seven others, including his foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, died in the air crash on May 19, 2024.
What the report says
According to the investigation report, the helicopter collided with a mountain due to "complex climatic and atmospheric conditions of the region" prevalent during the spring.
It stated that the "sudden emergence of a thick mass of dense and rising fog". An earlier military report in May had ruled out any foul play or attack.
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The report was issued by a high committee charged by Iran's military with investigating the incident.
Initial speculation had pointed to other factors. Fars news agency in August had blamed overloading of the helicopter with additional passengers in violation of security protocols, as a potential cause. However, Iran’s armed forces swiftly dismissed these claims, labelling them "completely false."
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"What is mentioned on Fars news about the presence of two people in the helicopter against the security protocols... is completely false," it said.
The tragic crash has triggered snap elections in the country, as Raisi was widely viewed as a crucial figure in Iranian politics. Despite rumours of potential security breaches, official investigations have consistently reaffirmed that bad weather was the sole reason for the crash.
(With inputs from agencies)
