We look at politicians who killed in air crashes.
President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran was killed last night when his helicopter crashed in a mountainous region of the country.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the nation, but the Iranian government has swiftly assured its citizens that state operations will continue “without the slightest disruption.”
Government’s Reassurance to the Nation:
In an official statement released today, the Iranian government emphasized its commitment to maintaining stability and continuity.
“We assure the loyal nation that the path of service will continue with the tireless spirit of Ayatollah Raisi,” the statement read, highlightening the government’s determination to proceed with its agenda uninterrupted despite the tragic loss of its leader.
شھید صدر اسلامی جمہوریہ ایران کے اقوام متحدہ کی جنرل اسمبلی میں تاریخی جملے۔#Iran pic.twitter.com/ExITm9VrC8
— Muhammad Amin Shaheedi (@AminShaheedi) May 20, 2024
A look at politicians killed in air crashes
President Raisi’s untimely death is a reminder of other notable leaders who have perished in aircraft disasters.
Here is a look back at ten such tragic incidents:
1. Arvid Lindman, Prime Minister of Sweden
Salomon Arvid Achates Lindman, a two-time Prime Minister of Sweden and rear admiral, died on December 9, 1936, when his Douglas DC-2 crashed near Croydon Airport in the UK. The plane went down shortly after takeoff in thick fog.
2. Ramon Magsaysay, President of the Philippines
Ramon Magsaysay, known for his anti-corruption efforts and populist appeal, was the seventh President of the Philippines.
On March 17, 1957, his C-47 plane crashed into Mount Manunggal in Cebu, leaving only one survivor among the 25 passengers.
3. Nereu Ramos, President of Brazil
Nereu Ramos, who served briefly as interim president of Brazil, died on June 16, 1958. His Cruzeiro do Sul airliner crashed near Curitiba Afonso Pena International Airport in Paraná.
4. Abdul Salam Arif, President of Iraq
Abdul Salam Arif, a key figure in the 1958 revolution that overthrew Iraq’s monarchy, died on April 13, 1966.
His Iraqi Air Force plane, a de Havilland DH.104 Dove, crashed near Basra. His brother, Abdul Rahman Arif, succeeded him.
5. Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco, President of Brazil
Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco, the 26th President of Brazil and a prominent figure in the military dictatorship, died on July 18, 1967. His Piper PA-23 Aztec collided mid-air with a Brazilian Air Force Lockheed T-33.
6. Sanjay Gandhi, Indian Politician
Sanjay Gandhi, son of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, died on June 23, 1980, after losing control of his aircraft at Delhi’s Safdarjung Airport.
7. Rashid Karami, Prime Minister of Lebanon
Rashid Karami, Lebanon’s most frequently elected Prime Minister, was killed on June 1, 1987, when a bomb exploded in his helicopter en route to Beirut.
8. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, President of Pakistan
General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, the sixth President of Pakistan, died on August 17, 1988. His C-130 Hercules aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Bahawalpur under mysterious circumstances.
9. Madhavrao Scindia, Indian Politician
Madhavrao Scindia, a prominent Indian politician, died in a plane crash on September 30, 2001. His Beechcraft King Air C90 caught fire mid-air and crashed near Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh.
10. Sebastian Piñera, President of Chile
Former President of Chile, Sebastian Piñera, died in February 2024. His helicopter crashed into a lake in southern Chile, marking the end of a significant political career in Chile.
The sudden loss of President Raisi is a poignant reminder of the risks faced by political leaders.
Despite this tragedy, Iran’s government remains resolute in its commitment to serving the nation and ensuring that the work of governance continues unimpeded.
