Thousands Turn out for Funerals of Iran Crash Victims

Parisa Hafezi, Reuters:

Thousands of mourners flooded central Tehran on Thursday for a funeral ceremony for at least 108 people killed in Tuesday's plane crash that the families of victims have blamed on poor safety procedures. Military officials have denied witness statements that they knew before take-off the plane had technical problems. Minutes after departure the pilot reported engine failure and crashed into an apartment block attempting an emergency landing.

"If they were sure that the plane had some technical problems they should have cancelled this trip," said Bijan, who was among those who turned out to join family members and colleagues of the dead at the funeral procession.

"Planes are not like buses. They should be totally sure there is no problem," he said.

A judge has been appointed to investigate whether the U.S.-made transport plane operated by Iran's Air Force, which was carrying scores of journalists to cover military exercises in the Gulf, was fit to fly.

Wailing and sobs filled the air as the mourners walked slowly behind pick-up trucks carrying the coffins of the dead.

Journalists covering the event, most of whom knew many of those killed, had tears streaming down their faces as they took notes or snapped photographs. READ MORE

The crash killed all 94 people aboard the Air Force transport plane. Several others died as flames engulfed the building and nearby cars.

The death toll stands at 108, the Coroner's Office told the semi-official Mehr News agency, although many of the bodies were so badly burnt and disfigured that they have not yet been identified.

At least 68 of the victims were journalists and technicians from local media organisations.

"They were servants of this nation. They were like family to us. It was my duty to come," said Asieh Mirzahrai, 50, a retired army employee.

Most of the dead were due to be buried at Tehran's main cemetery later on Thursday.