Preliminary investigations into the tragic helicopter crash that killed Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi and seven others have found no evidence of criminal activity or sabotage, according to an official report released by the Iranian military.
The helicopter, carrying President Raisi, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, six other passengers, and the crew, crashed on Sunday in a mountainous area near the Azerbaijan border amidst foggy weather conditions. The crash resulted in the deaths of all on board, including President Raisi, who was a prominent political figure and a potential successor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The report, published by state news agency IRNA on Thursday, stated that the helicopter hit a high mountain area and subsequently caught fire. Investigators noted that no bullet holes or suspicious marks were found on the wreckage. The helicopter was on a pre-planned route and did not deviate from its course before the crash. Communications between the flight crew and the control tower did not indicate any signs of foul play.
The final moments of the flight were documented in the military report, which mentioned that the last contact between the helicopter and two accompanying helicopters occurred approximately a minute and a half before the crash. The wreckage was located early Monday morning by an Iranian drone, but challenging weather conditions and the remote location delayed search and rescue operations.
The Iranian government has declared five days of national mourning for President Raisi. The country is currently led by an interim president, with the election for a new president scheduled for June 28.
The tragic incident has left the nation mourning the loss of a key leader and other prominent officials. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the precise causes of the crash while ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future.
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