Iranian president dies in helicopter crash: Live updates

 

The passing of Ebrahim Raisi was confirmed on Monday morning after the wreckage of his aircraft was discovered on a mountainside

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. ©  AP Photo/Vahid Salemi

Iranian state media have confirmed the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi after his helicopter crashed on Sunday in a mountainous area.

Raisi was travelling over East Azerbaijan province, located in Iran’s northwest, returning from a visit to the nation of Azerbaijan, when the Bell 212 aircraft went down.

A massive search operation was launched, but was hampered by foggy weather and rain. After several hours, the wreckage was found in a wooded area. 

Several state media outlets reported Raisi’s passing on Monday morning, before a government statement was released.

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, and East Azerbaijan Imam Mohammad Ali Ale-Hashem were also killed in the crash.

https://www.rt.com/news/597844-raisi-iran-president-helicopter/