A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reportedly crashed during a visit to a northern region, with his condition currently unknown, according to Iranian state news agency IRNA.
The aircraft, which also had Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian onboard, went down in East Azerbaijan Province amidst foggy conditions, hindering emergency response efforts.
With twenty rescue teams and drones dispatched to the crash site, authorities are facing challenges due to the rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions, including heavy fog.
The incident occurred as the president and dignitaries were returning from a ceremony for the opening of a dam on Iran’s border with Azerbaijan. As per IRNA’s report, the search and rescue operation is expected to be prolonged due to the difficult conditions in the Varzaqan region.
State television did not report on any casualties or confirm the whereabouts or condition of the president, but it urged the public to pray for the safety of Mr. Raisi, 63, and those who were traveling with him. The president’s official website also posted a message requesting prayers.
“Given the complexities of the region, connection has been difficult, and we are hoping that the rescue teams reach the helicopter and can give us more information,” Ahmad Vahidi, Iran’s interior minister, told state television.
Videos airing on Iranian state television showed rescue teams driving along mountain roads in thick fog and teams walking on green hills wearing red-and-white vests. Rescue dogs were also being dispatched, according to state media.