After hours of extensive searching through treacherous mountainous terrain and battling inclement weather, rescue teams located the crashed helicopter carrying Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Monday. The Iranian Red Crescent described the situation as “not good.”
The helicopter crashed in Jolfa, a mountainous region in northwestern Iran, on Sunday as Raisi and his delegation were returning from a visit to the border with Azerbaijan. Emergency teams reached the crash site in East Azerbaijan province, but the operation is expected to be lengthy due to freezing conditions, heavy rain, and dense fog, according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA.
Initially, it was reported that the helicopter’s location was detected via signals from the chopper and a crew member’s mobile phone. However, the Iranian Red Crescent Society later refuted this, stating that the search efforts were still ongoing.
Latest Developments:
-Ground Search Efforts: Pir-Hossein Koulivand, head of Iran’s Red Crescent Society, indicated that the search is being conducted by ground teams due to adverse weather conditions preventing aerial searches. Around 40 teams are involved in the operation, according to IRNA.
Passenger Details: The helicopter carried nine individuals, including President Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdollahian, three other Iranian officials, an imam, and members of the flight and security teams. Among the officials was Malek Rahmati, Governor of Eastern Azerbaijan province, as reported by CNN.
International Assistance: Turkey announced late Sunday night that it would send night-vision search and rescue helicopters and drones to aid Iran. Additionally, six vehicles and 32 mountaineering search and rescue personnel are being dispatched to the neighboring country.
Technological Aid: A Turkish ‘Akinci’ drone has reportedly identified a heat source believed to be the helicopter wreckage, as per The Telegraph. A burning spot has been detected, and rescue teams are being directed to the area known as ‘Tavil.’ The coordinates from the Turkish drone have been shared with Iranian authorities.
Russian Support: Russia plans to send special aircraft and 50 professional mountain rescuers to assist in the operation. Two specialized Russian helicopters will be deployed from Armenia, following orders from President Vladimir Putin, IRNA reported.
The combined efforts of local and international teams continue as they navigate the challenging conditions to ensure the safety and rescue of those involved in the crash.
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