Iran President Raisi Dies in a Helicopter Crash
Iran’s president Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi died at 63 in a helicopter crash along with 7 others on 19th May 2024. Iran has declared a 5-day mourning period.
On 19th May 2024, Iran’s President Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, 63, died in a helicopter crash. He was traveling from the Iran-Azerbaijan border to Tabriz city after inaugurating a joint dam project. The helicopter, a Bell 212, also carried Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, East Azerbaijan Governor Malek Rahmati, and senior cleric Ayatollah Al-Hashem.
Thirty minutes after take-off, the helicopter disappeared from radar over a mountainous region. Search and rescue operations began immediately, involving 40 teams working through difficult terrain and weather. Turkey also assisted with a drone. On 20th May, Turkish authorities spotted a fire in the mountains, believed to be the crash site. Rescue teams found the burnt wreckage with no survivors. All eight passengers, including three crew members, died.
The crash was attributed to a sudden weather change, with heavy fog reported at the crash site. Iran declared a five-day mourning period. Many world leaders, including PM Modi, expressed their condolences, highlighting Raisi’s role in strengthening international relations.
The crash’s aftermath saw Iran’s top nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri appointed as acting Foreign Minister. First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber became interim President, with a new election required within 50 days.
Tens of thousands mourned Raisi, with his body taken for religious ceremonies and a grand burial in Mashhad. However, some suspect foul play, with Israel being blamed by some despite their denial.
Raisi’s death has significant implications for the region, potentially affecting oil prices and geopolitical stability. Oil prices surged in Asia following the news, and gold prices reached an all-time high due to uncertainty.
Despite the mourning, many Iranian women celebrated Raisi’s death due to his harsh policies and crackdown on protests, especially following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. Videos of women celebrating and the viral photo of a man hanged for opposing Raisi reflect mixed reactions to his demise.
Iran continues to investigate the crash as the country deals with the loss of its leader.
