Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi crashed in the north-west of the country, Iranian media reported.

According to preliminary data, the helicopter made a hard landing in the city of Julfa in the Iranian province of East Azerbaijan.

As Tasnim reported, the president’s motorcade included three helicopters. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and Governor of East Azerbaijan Malik Rahmati were also on board the helicopter that crashed.

According to media reports, people from the president’s entourage contacted the command center, which gives hope that no one died in the accident.

The army, police and employees of the Iranian Red Crescent Society were sent to the scene.

Rescuers who arrived in the area reported thick fog, which was complicating the operation.

Some 16 squads are participating in the operation, but the terrain and fog make their work difficult.

A rescue helicopter sent to the area was unable to land due to weather conditions and was forced to return.