An Iranian Army helicopter crashed into a bustling fruit market in the central province of Isfahan on Tuesday, killing four people and shocking local residents. The military aircraft plunged into the open‑air market in the city of Dorcheh and ignited a fire that emergency crews quickly extinguished. The dead include the helicopter’s pilot, co‑pilot, and two merchants who were selling produce when the aircraft struck the market.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos and Emergency Response
Witnesses said the helicopter descended rapidly before smashing into stalls filled with customers and vendors. “People were running and screaming as flames spread,” said one local shopper who saw the crash. Emergency services arrived within minutes and battled the fire to prevent it from spreading to nearby shops and vehicles. Authorities cordoned off the scene and treated survivors for burns and shock.
Officials immediately launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, and military spokespeople promised a full report once they gather more facts. Families of the victims gathered at local hospitals while authorities notified next of kin. Many residents expressed anger and sorrow, saying they had never witnessed such a tragic event in their normally peaceful community.
Safety Record Raises Questions as Another Crash Occurred Last Week
Meanwhile, aviation experts pointed out that Iran’s air safety record has raised concern for years. They noted that the country operates many aging aircraft that predate the 1979 Islamic Revolution and has struggled to obtain original spare parts for maintenance. Experts said these conditions contribute to repeated accidents, raising questions about the safety of both military and civilian flights.
