ISFAHAN: An Iranian Army helicopter crashed into a fruit market in Dorcheh, a city in Iran’s central Isfahan province, on Tuesday, killing all onboard and two people on the ground, state media reported.
According to the official IRNA news agency, the helicopter’s pilot and co-pilot along with two fruit vendors were killed in the crash. The incident caused a fire at the market, which was quickly extinguished by emergency services. Authorities have attributed the crash to a technical malfunction.
Ongoing Air Safety Concerns in Iran
Iran has faced several air accidents in recent years, with aviation experts citing difficulties in maintaining its ageing fleet due to international sanctions. Many Iranian aircraft were purchased before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and spare parts for repairs are often unavailable, contributing to a poor air safety record.
A helicopter crashed minutes ago in Dorcheh, Isfahan Province. pic.twitter.com/fVV8K303Op
— Mehr News Agency (@MehrnewsCom) February 24, 2026
Last week, a US-built F-4 fighter of Iran’s regular air force crashed in Hamadan province during a training flight, resulting in the death of a pilot. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges for Iran in ensuring the safety of both military personnel and civilians amid sanctions and limited access to maintenance resources.
Authorities in Dorcheh have launched investigations to confirm the exact cause of the helicopter crash and prevent similar accidents in the future.
