Emergency responders are pictured at the wreckage of a helicopter that crashed in Varzaghan, northwestern Iran, on May 20, 2024, claiming the life of Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi, as rescue team members work to investigate the tragic incident.
BY News Hour
Tehran, Iran -The final investigation into the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Iranian president Ebrahim Raeisi and seven others in May has concluded that adverse weather conditions were the primary cause of the accident.
On May 19, a helicopter carrying 63-year-old Raeisi, former foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and six others crashed on a foggy mountainside in northwest Iran.
Their bodies were found the following day after a massive search operation.
A comprehensive report released by the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces on Sunday found that: “complex climatic and atmospheric conditions of the region in the spring was the main cause of the crash.”
It added that “the sudden emergence of a thick mass of dense and rising fog” caused the helicopter to crash into the mountainside.
The report ruled out any foul play, sabotage, or technical malfunctions, stating that the helicopter’s maintenance records,flight path, and equipment were thoroughly examined and found to be in compliance with all regulations.
Official investigation concludes sabotage unlikely in Iran’s presidential helicopter crash; probe ongoing to determine primary cause.
Experts analyzed the helicopter’s flight data, including the pilot’s iPad, and confirmed that the aircraft followed its predetermined route without deviations. Additionally, a forensic examination of the helicopter’s wreckage revealed no defects or signs of tampering.
The investigation also involved a detailed analysis of meteorological data from the day of the accident and the preceding day, as well as toxicological and pathological tests on the victims’ remains.
These tests found no evidence of foul play or unusual circumstances.
The report concluded that the tragic accident was solely attributable to the challenging weather conditions encountered by the helicopter, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and precautions in such environments.
