Iranian President Raisi's Helicopter Crashes

Raisi and Foreign Minister Uninjured in Hard Landing

Tehran, Iran - May 19, 2024

President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter crash-landed near his residence, leaving Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian uninjured. According to Iran's state-run IRINN TV, the incident occurred at approximately 11:15 AM as the helicopter was returning from a visit to East Azerbaijan. Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter losing altitude rapidly before making a hard landing in a field. "The helicopter suffered a technical issue shortly after takeoff," said IRINN correspondent Alireza Zali. "The pilot managed to land the aircraft in a controlled manner, avoiding any casualties or significant damage." Raisi and Amirabdollahian exited the helicopter without assistance and were transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Medical reports indicate they suffered no injuries. The cause of the technical issue is still under investigation. Authorities have cordoned off the area and commenced a thorough probe into the incident. President Raisi expressed gratitude to the pilot and emergency responders for their swift action and professionalism. He also reassured the public that the government remains committed to safety and transparency. The crash has shaken the Iranian public, prompting concerns about the safety of the country's leadership and the reliability of its infrastructure. It remains to be seen if this incident will have any long-term political or economic implications for Iran.