Support for relatives following the plane crash in Iran
Original text: The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has confirmed that there were Swedish citizens onboard the plane that crashed in Iran. We have compiled information and links here to show where relatives can find help and support from Swedish government agencies.
On the morning of 8 January, a passenger plane from Ukraine International Airlines crashed shortly after leaving Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport. The plane was bound for the Ukrainian capital, Kiev. All passengers died, and the victims include a number of Swedish citizens from various municipalities in Sweden.
The Swedish Police Authority is working to identify the remains of the Swedish citizens involved. The identification process is taking place in collaboration with Iranian and Ukrainian government agencies and with Interpol.
The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs ("Utrikesdepartementet" or UD) is responsible for checking and ensuring the information about passengers who were resident in Sweden.
A list of the names of seventeen persons resident in Sweden has been given to the Police, who in their turn are responsible for informing the next of kin. The ministry has set up a consular crisis team to support the Swedish Embassy in Teheran.
The task of the embassy includes keeping in contact with the Iranian authorities, and to assist any next of kin in Iran. The Ministry has a crisis phone line: 08-405 92 00 which is manned around the clock.
On the 16th of January, Sweden's Foreign Minister, Ann Linde, attended a meeting in London with foreign ministers from the other countries that lost residents in the plane crash. The meeting was aimed at coordinating the efforts of the various countries.
"We will stress the importance of a full and transparent investigation into the shooting down of the plane and expect cooperation from the Iranian authorities. We will also discuss support and compensation for relatives, as well as the identification and repatriation of remains" said Foreign Minister Ann Linde at the meeting.
The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority ("Statens haverikommission") has appointed an expert who is taking part in the investigation into the accident, which is being led by the Iranian investigation authority. Relatives who have any questions about the investigation can call +46 (0)8-508 862 00. Find out more at the Swedish Accident Investigation Authority’s website.
Crisis support for relatives and anyone with concerns
When a serious incident occurs, the community offers various kinds of support and help.
Crisis support from the municipalities
Some of the municipalities in which the victims of the plane crash were resident have set up a crisis support service that relatives can contact. In these cases, information about this is available on the municipalities’ websites.
Finding help
The 1177 Healthcare Guide service offers advice for people who have been involved in serious incidents and about how you as an adult can talk to children about the incident (only in Swedish).
If you feel that sorrow is taking over your everyday life and you are not feeling at all well, call 1177 for information about the nearest healthcare centre or psychiatric emergency department. If the situation is urgent, call 112.
Practical information for relatives
When a relative dies, there are certain practical things that need to be done.
In the event of death abroad – contact the embassy
If the death occurred abroad, you should contact the embassy. They can help with, for example, registering the death with the Swedish Tax Agency and obtaining necessary documentation for repatriating the deceased.
Repatriation
If the deceased person is insured, the insurance company can help with the practical arrangements associated with the death and also pay for repatriation. If there is no insurance cover, the embassy can offer advice about repatriation or a local funeral at the location.
When a relative has died
When a relative has died, you may need to contact a number of different government agencies and other actors. At Efterlevandeguiden.se (only in Swedish) you can find information and checklists about what needs to be done immediately after the death, but also in the following months and years.
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