A devastating incident unfolded in Iran’s central Isfahan province when an Iranian Army helicopter crashed into a bustling fruit and vegetable market in the town of Dorcheh (also referred to as part of Khomeinishahr area), claiming four lives.
According to Iranian state media and reports from outlets like Reuters, TRT World, and Anadolu Agency, the helicopter was on a routine training mission when it suffered a suspected technical malfunction mid-flight.
The aircraft plummeted into the market, killing the pilot and co-pilot instantly. Two civilians merchants working at fruit stalls—also perished in the crash, which triggered a fire at the impact site.
Emergency services quickly responded and extinguished the blaze.The victims include:
- The helicopter’s pilot
- The co-pilot
- Two market vendors
No additional casualties were reported among shoppers or bystanders, though the crash caused significant damage to market stalls and sparked immediate emergency operations.
This marks the latest in a string of military aviation incidents in Iran, coming just days after another crash involving an F-4 fighter jet near Hamedan.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the precise cause, with early indications pointing to mechanical failure potentially linked to long-standing challenges in maintaining aircraft fleets under international sanctions.
Isfahan province, located about 330 km south of Tehran, is a key region for Iran’s military activities. Incidents like this highlight ongoing concerns over aviation safety in the country’s armed forces.
Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this difficult time.
