Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has been declared dead in a helicopter crash in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province. The Foreign Minister of Iran, Hossein Amirabdollahian has also died in the crash. The news of the disappearance of the helicopter was announced yesterday (19th May, 2024). According to the news, the helicopter had to make a “hard landing” due to bad weather conditions.
A rescue team of 40 rescuers from Red Crescent Society were sent to the area to conduct search and rescue operation. Due to bad weather condition, it was extremely difficult for the rescue team to carry out the operation. After hours of searching finally they located the crash site.
The cash site of the helicopter carrying Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi
When the search team found the crash site, it was seen the helicopter was completely destroyed. Just by looking at the crash site, the rescue team knew that nobody could’ve survived this crash. It was confirmed that everyone on-board the helicopter died.
Iranian state TV said on Monday that there was “no sign of life” found at the scene of the chopper accident that had carried Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
The announcement was made shortly after the Iranian Red Crescent reported that its search and rescue units had arrived at the scene of the chopper crash that had the president, foreign minister, and other high-ranking officials aboard.
Who died in the helicopter crash?
The helicopter was completely destroyed and everyone on-board were declared dead. Some of the bodies were burned beyond recognition. The victims of the helicopter crash were as follows:
- President Ebrahim Raisi
- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian
- Governor of Eastern Azerbaijan province Malek Rahmati
- Tabriz’s Imam Mohammad Ali Alehashem
- The Pilot
- The Copilot
- Crew Chief
- Head of Security
- Bodyguard
First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is next line for succession
According to Article 131 of the constitution, the first deputy takes over as president in the event of the president’s demise, resignation, prolonged absence due to illness, or inability to nominate a successor. This authority is granted by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader.
He is the First Vice President, Muhammad Mokhber.
Within 50 days, an election must be scheduled by a council made up of the president’s first deputy, the head of the judicial branch, and the speaker of parliament.
In the event that the president’s first deputy is incapacitated or absent from office, the supreme leader picks a replacement.
According to Article 132 of the constitution, ministers are not subject to dismissal while the first deputy or another designated individual holds presidential authority.
It is not permissible to pass a vote of no confidence in ministers, modify the constitution, or call for a nationwide referendum. According to state-run media, Mr. Khamenei declared on Sunday that “there will be no disruption in the work of the country” during this time.