A Look Back at Fatal Air Crashes Involving Heads of State

News Desk 

Islamabad: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter crashed on the border of Azerbaijan on May 19, during his return from the inauguration ceremony of a dam due to adverse weather conditions.

As a result, nine people, including President Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, lost their lives. Iranian authorities confirmed the deaths of the President and Foreign Minister on May 20.

Looking back at similar incidents in the past, since 1940, nearly 14 or more heads of state have lost their lives in various aerial accidents and incidents:

Paraguay President Perishes 1940

On September 7, 1940, Paraguay’s President José Félix Estigarribia died in a plane crash in the city of Altos.

Philippines Mourns   

On March 17, 1958, Philippines’ President Ramon Magsaysay died at the age of 49 in a plane crash in Balamban, Cebu.

Brazil’s Leader Lost

Nereu Ramos, who briefly served as Brazil’s transitional president, died on June 16, 1958, at the age of 69 in an aerial accident.

His aircraft crashed near Paraná State’s international airport. Additionally, on July 18, 1967, Brazilian military leader and President Marshal Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco’s aircraft crashed in Fortaleza, Brazil. He assumed office after the 1964 military coup.

Baghdad Air Disaster

Iraq’s second President Abdul Salam Arif, who played a significant role in the 1958 revolution, died on April 13, 1966, at the age of 45 in a plane crash in Baghdad.

Bolivia Helicopter Crash

On April 27, 1969, Bolivia’s President René Barrientos’ helicopter crashed. He died at the age of 49.

Roldós’ Plane Tragedy

On May 24, 1981, Ecuador’s 33rd President Jaime Roldós’ plane crashed.

Machel’s Plane Tragedy

On October 19, 1986, Mozambique’s first President and military commander Samora Machel’s plane crashed near the South African border.

Zia’s Fatal Crash

Pakistan’s sixth President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq’s plane crashed on August 17, 1988, in Bahawalpur.

He passed away at the age of 64. The aircraft was en route to Islamabad from Bahawalpur after inspecting military units. The incident occurred just 10 minutes after takeoff.

These are some instances of aerial accidents and incidents involving heads of state from 1940 to the present day. Additional Input from Dawn News Urdu.