Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's Helicopter Crashes

President's Condition Unclear After Crash Landing

May 19, 2024

A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi crashed on Sunday, May 19, 2024, while he was visiting a northern region of the country, according to Iranian state media. The condition of the president is unclear at this time.

The Bell 212 helicopter was carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian when it crashed in the mountainous area of Kerman province, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Raisi was visiting the region to attend a ceremony marking the anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He was scheduled to give a speech at the ceremony, but his appearance was canceled after the crash.

People in Tehran gathered in Vali-e-Asr square to pray for Raisi's safety. The crash has sent shockwaves throughout Iran and the region, and world leaders have expressed their condolences to the Iranian people.