Iran army finds no sign of foul play so far in Raisi helicopter crash
Preliminary report says no evidence of criminal activity but investigators signal the probe is not yet over.
Iranian military investigators have so far found no evidence of criminal activity in the helicopter crash that killed late President Ebrahim Raisi and seven others, according to state media.
A preliminary report on the crash by the general staff of the armed forces said the craft had “caught fire after hitting an elevated area”, finding no traces of “bullet holes” on the helicopter wreckage, according to the official IRNA news agency late on Thursday.
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The Take: After the death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, what’s next?
The report also stated that Raisi’s helicopter had been flying on a “pre-planned route and did not leave the designated flight path” before the crash on Sunday.
“No suspicious content was observed during the communications between the watch tower and the flight crew,” it added.
The final communication between the president’s craft and two accompanying helicopters was recorded about a minute and a half before the crash, according to a statement from the general staff of the armed forces, broadcast on state television on Thursday night.
The helicopter wreckage had been found in Iran’s mountainous northwest by Iranian drones early on Monday, with the “complexity of the area, fog and low temperature” hindering the work of search and rescue teams.
However, while the first statement on the crash did not lay blame, it said that more details would follow. More time was needed, the army said, to conduct investigations.
Ageing helicopter
The ageing Bell helicopter that crashed was carrying Raisi and his entourage home from a trip to Iran’s border with Azerbaijan on Sunday.The president had earlier inaugurated a dam project with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Foreign sanctions on Iran dating back to the 1979 revolution, and subsequently imposed over its nuclear programme and its backing of the so-called “axis of resistance”, have made it difficult for the country to obtain aircraft parts or new aircraft.
Raisi was laid to rest in his hometown of Mashhad on Thursday, concluding days of funeral ceremonies in some of Iran’s major cities including the capital attended by throngs of mourners.
Among the people killed in the incident was Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian who was also buried on Thursday in the town of Shahr-e Ray, south of the capital.
A presidential election has been scheduled for June 28.
In a recent development that has captivated both national and international attention, Iranian authorities have announced that preliminary investigations into the helicopter crash involving President Ebrahim Raisi have not uncovered any indications of foul play. The incident, which occurred on May 25, 2024, while President Raisi was traveling to a remote region for an official visit, initially sparked widespread concern and speculation regarding potential sabotage or an assassination attempt.
The Incident: A Nation Holds Its Breath
The crash took place in the mountainous region of Alborz, a location known for its challenging weather conditions and treacherous terrain. President Raisi, along with several high-ranking officials and crew members, were on board the helicopter when it encountered difficulties and ultimately went down. Miraculously, there were no fatalities, although President Raisi and others sustained minor injuries and were quickly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The immediate aftermath of the crash saw a flurry of activity as rescue teams, military personnel, and government officials rushed to the site. The Iranian public, along with the international community, awaited news with bated breath, fearing the worst but hoping for the best.
Preliminary Findings: No Evidence of Sabotage
In a statement released by the Iranian military, officials confirmed that their initial investigation has not found any evidence suggesting that the helicopter crash was a result of foul play. "Our preliminary findings indicate that the crash was most likely caused by technical issues compounded by adverse weather conditions," stated General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces.
Technical experts and aviation investigators have been meticulously combing through the wreckage to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the crash. According to sources within the investigation team, the helicopter’s black box, which records flight data and cockpit conversations, has been recovered and is currently being analyzed. Early indications from the black box data suggest that the helicopter experienced a sudden mechanical failure that rendered it uncontrollable.
Political Reactions and Speculation
Despite the official statements, the incident has inevitably given rise to various conspiracy theories and speculation, particularly among political analysts and opposition groups. Some have pointed to the heightened political tensions within Iran and suggested that the crash could be an attempt to destabilize President Raisi's administration. However, these claims remain unsubstantiated, and the lack of evidence pointing to foul play has done little to lend credibility to such theories.
President Raisi, known for his hardline stance and efforts to consolidate power, has faced significant opposition both domestically and internationally. His administration's policies and actions, particularly in the realm of foreign relations and nuclear negotiations, have been a source of contention, making the crash a focal point for those critical of his leadership.
The Broader Context: Aviation Safety in Iran
This incident also brings to light the broader issues surrounding aviation safety in Iran. The country has a checkered history when it comes to aviation incidents, often attributed to aging aircraft, lack of access to modern technology, and the impact of international sanctions. These sanctions have historically impeded Iran's ability to procure spare parts and modernize its fleet, raising concerns about the overall safety of its aviation sector.
The Iranian government has been making efforts to address these challenges, but progress has been slow. The helicopter crash involving President Raisi serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that still exist within the country's aviation infrastructure.
Looking Ahead: Transparency and Accountability
As the investigation continues, there is a strong call for transparency and accountability. The Iranian public, along with the international community, is keenly watching how the authorities handle the situation. Ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation will be crucial in maintaining public trust and addressing any lingering doubts about the incident.
In conclusion, while the preliminary findings indicate no sign of foul play in the helicopter crash involving President Ebrahim Raisi, the incident underscores the complexities and challenges facing Iran's aviation sector and the political landscape. As the investigation progresses, it is imperative that the authorities maintain a high level of transparency and accountability to reassure the public and mitigate any potential fallout from this alarming event.
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