On 19th May 2024, in an unprecedented event, an Iranian Bell 212 helicopter crashed in the mountainous province of East Azerbaijan while it was on its way back to Iran carrying President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian after they concluded a state-level visit to Azerbaijan. The helicopter was carrying a total of 8 people on board including flight crew, VIPs, and other officials, none survived the deadly crash.
The wreckage of the helicopter was finally found yesterday morning by a Turkish Armed Forces’ Akinci UAV, assisting Iran’s day and night search operation after Iranian authorities failed to do so. The exact reason for the crash is still unknown but according to experts, extreme weather conditions are likely the cause of the incident.
“I announce five days of public mourning and offer my condolences to the dear people of Iran,” the supreme leader Khamenei said in a statement addressing the Nation.
