On Sunday, May 19, a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian crash landed in a fog-filled, mountainous area. According to Vice President Mohsen Mansouri, two passengers have made contact with the rescue team, but Raisi and Amir-Abdollahian’s conditions are unknown. In the meantime, eight ambulances and 40 rescue teams, including drones and search dogs, have been deployed.
“Right now, we are leaving with all the military forces to the area in question, and I hope to give good news to the people,” a representative of the East Azerbaijan Army told NBC News.
Raisi, Amir-Abdollahian and several other government officials were returning from the inauguration of a dam on the Aras River when the emergency landing occurred. At the time of the landing, multiple outlets report that the area was overcome with dense fog, making it difficult to see in the rainforest area. As a result, rescue operations may be delayed.
“Various rescue groups are moving towards the site, but due to the fog and bad weather, it may take time to reach the area,” Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said, according to NBC News.
In an effort to assist search and rescue efforts, Russia will send special aircraft and 50 professional mountain rescuers to the site.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran sincerely thanks the numerous governments, nations, and international organizations for their expressions of human emotion and solidarity with the government and people of Iran, as well as their offers of help and assistance for the search and rescue operation,” a statement from the Iranian government reads.
