Iran releases 1st investigation report on President Raisi’s helicopter crash

 

Iran's General Staff of the Armed Forces has released the initial investigation report regarding the helicopter crash that tragically claimed the lives of President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage. The report indicates that a senior investigation committee, consisting of experts and technicians, promptly arrived at the crash site on Monday morning following the incident.

The report highlights that the helicopter had maintained its predetermined course throughout the flight and had not deviated from its designated route. Approximately one minute and a half before the crash, the pilot had communicated with the other two helicopters in the President's convoy.

Forensic analysis of the wreckage revealed no evidence of bullets or similar items. After the crash, the helicopter caught fire. The challenging terrain, along with fog and low temperatures, prolonged the search and rescue operations, which continued until nightfall and throughout the night. Drones were eventually employed to pinpoint the exact location of the crash at 5 a.m. local time on Monday.

There were no indications of any suspicious conversations between the watchtower and the flight crew. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses.

President Raisi, along with his entourage including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem, was en route to East Azerbaijan province when the crash occurred in a mountainous area on Sunday.

President Raisi was laid to rest on Thursday in his hometown of Mashhad, in the holy shrine of Imam Reza.