Iran helicopter crash: President Ebrahim Raisi dies
Vice President Mohammad Mokhber to Assume Powers Following President Raisi’s Death in Helicopter Crash
In accordance with the Iranian Constitution, Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will assume presidential powers following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi. The constitution mandates that in the event of the president’s death or incapacitation, the first vice president will take over until an election is held within a maximum period of 50 days.
-Senior Officials Among Those Killed in Helicopter Crash
The tragic helicopter crash in the Dizmar forest, located between Varzaqan and Jolfa in East Azerbaijan province, claimed the lives of several senior Iranian officials. Alongside President Raisi, the casualties include:
– Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian
– East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati
– Representative of the Iranian Supreme Leader in East Azerbaijan, Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem
– Head of Presidential Guard, Mehdi Mousavi
– The helicopter’s pilot, co-pilot, and crew
-Iran’s Government Convenes Urgent Meeting
In response to the devastating news, the Iranian government convened an urgent meeting on Monday, as reported by the Iranian state news agency IRNA. A photograph shared by state news depicted Raisi’s usual seat draped with a black sash in his memory. The timing and details of a mourning procession will be announced by state media, FARS News Agency.
-Mehr News Agency Confirms Fatalities
According to the semi-official Mehr News Agency, President Raisi, Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian, and the other occupants of the helicopter, including East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, have been “martyred.” Although there has been no official confirmation of Raisi’s death, medics at the crash site reported finding “no signs” of life.
-Rescue Efforts in Challenging Conditions
Rescuers from the Iranian Red Crescent Society were pictured searching for the crash site of the American-made Bell 212 helicopter, which is believed to have crashed into a mountain due to bad weather. The crash occurred as President Raisi was returning from a meeting with the leader of Azerbaijan. Rescue teams battled blizzards and difficult terrain throughout the night to reach the wreckage in the early hours of Monday.
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