Accident Reportedly Happens to Iranian President’s Helicopter

_{The file photo taken by the Iranian Presidential Office shows President Ebrahim Raisi visiting Firoozkouh after floods on July 31, 2022.}

The accident reportedly happened as the president was returning from the Khoda Afarin region in Iran’s northwestern province of East Azarbaijan after inaugurating a dam at the common border with the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Some people in the president’s entourage have reportedly contacted the command center, raising hopes that the accident has had no casualties.

The president’s convoy included three helicopters. Two of the choppers carrying a number of ministers and officials have landed safely.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and the Friday prayers leader of Tabriz, Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Al-e-Hashem, were also on board the helicopter carrying the president.

The rescue teams from the Red Crescent Society of Iran, the military force and the Police have been deployed to the area to find the helicopter.

Local people say the situation is unclear because of the foggy conditions in the area.

Speaking to state TV by telephone, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said a helicopter of the president’s convoy returning from Jolfa has made a hard landing.

The minister said rescue teams have been deployed to the area in the foggy weather.

Spokesperson for the Iranian Administration Ali Bahadori Jahromi announced that participants in the cabinet session on Sunday have been given the latest reports regarding the helicopter accident.

He noted that the president’s deputy for executive affairs, Mohsen Mansouri, and a number of cabinet members have been dispatched to Tabriz, the capital of East Azarbaijan province.