Isfahan (TDI): An Iranian Army helicopter crashed into a busy fruit market in Dorcheh, central Isfahan, on Tuesday, killing all four people on board, including the pilot, co-pilot, and two local merchants, according to state media reports.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and extinguished the fire caused by the crash.
Iran’s aviation safety record has come under scrutiny due to repeated accidents involving both military and older aircraft.
Many of these planes predate the 1979 Islamic Revolution and face maintenance challenges due to shortages of original spare parts. Analysts note that such limitations increase the risk of technical failures.
This incident follows a series of recent military aviation accidents in Iran. Last week, a US-built F-4 fighter of the regular air force crashed in Hamadan province during a training flight, killing one pilot.
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In May 2024, a helicopter carrying then-President Ebrahim Raisi experienced a crash upon landing in the mountainous Varzaqan region amid poor weather conditions.
The crash in Dorcheh adds to growing concerns over the operational safety of Iran’s aging military fleet, prompting calls from experts for stricter maintenance protocols and updated equipment.
Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident and have assured the public that measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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Local residents expressed shock at the tragedy, highlighting the danger posed when military flights operate close to densely populated areas, particularly markets and residential neighborhoods.
