Iran: Helicopter hits Isfahan market, kills pilot, vendors

Four people were killed after an Iranian army helicopter crashed into a fruit and vegetable market in Central Iran on Tuesday morning.

According to the semi-official Fars News Agency, the aircraft went down at 9:09 a.m. local time (0539 GMT) in Isfahan province, striking a market stall. The victims include the pilot, co-pilot, and two market vendors.

Ali Nasiri, Head of Provincial Emergency Medical Services, confirms that four ambulances are dispatched immediately to the scene to assist the injured and manage the situation.

Mansour Shishehforoush, Director-General of Isfahan’s Crisis Management Department, tells the official Islamic Republic News Agency the crash results from a technical failure.

Authorities have not released further details about the aircraft model or additional circumstances surrounding the incident.

Emergency response teams remain at the site, assessing damages and coordinating with local officials to ensure safety in the surrounding area.

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Market vendors and residents are reportedly in shock as investigations begin into how the helicopter came down in a populated area.

Authorities have cordoned off the crash site to ensure public safety and facilitate rescue operations. Local residents described the scene as chaotic, with debris scattered across the market and frantic vendors trying to salvage goods. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion as the helicopter struck the market.

Medical personnel confirmed that the victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and their bodies were later transported to a nearby hospital for post-mortem examination. Officials have also arranged counseling services for affected families and bystanders who witnessed the tragic incident.

The Iranian Army has launched an internal investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest a mechanical failure, but officials emphasised that a full inquiry will be conducted to prevent future accidents and ensure aviation safety standards are upheld.

Local authorities have appealed to the public to avoid spreading unverified information or rumors about the crash on social media, urging people to rely on official statements for accurate updates. Meanwhile, traffic around the area has been redirected to minimise congestion and allow emergency services to operate effectively.

The provincial governor has expressed condolences to the victims’ families and announced plans to provide immediate financial support to the affected market vendors. He also pledged a thorough review of flight operations over populated areas to enhance safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.