Tehran: The final report into the tragic helicopter crash that killed President Ebrahim Rasi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and six others has concluded that poor weather was the primary cause. The helicopter, which was carrying Raisi and his team, crashed into a fog-enshrouded mountainside in northern Iran on May 19, 2024.
According to the report, the crash was due to “a sudden thick mass of dense and rising fog” which obscured visibility and led to the helicopter’s collision with the mountain. This finding aligns with earlier statements from Iran’s army, which had found no evidence of foul play or criminal activity in the crash. The investigation also ruled out mechanical failure or sabotage.
The Fars news agency had previously reported that the crash was compounded by the helicopter’s inability to ascend due to two additional passengers who reportedly lacked security clearance. However, this claim has been officially denied by the Iranian armed forces, who labeled it as inaccurate and false.
President Raisi, a prominent hardliner who took office in 2021, was seen as a key figure in Iranian politics and a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His unexpected death, along with that of Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian, led to political upheaval and the calling of snap elections in Iran.
The crash highlighted the challenges faced by Iranian leadership during a period of intense political and economic pressure. Raisi’s death has also brought attention to the safety measures and operational protocols for high-profile governmental flights in Iran.