A helicopter belonging to the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Air Force crashed on Tuesday into a fruit market in Isfahan province, killing four people, state media reported.

According to the official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), the crash occurred in Khomeynishahr, a city in central Iran. Authorities attributed the incident to a “technical malfunction.”

The pilot and co-pilot were confirmed dead, alongside two fruit vendors who were at the market when the helicopter went down.

Iran has experienced several air incidents in recent years, with officials citing longstanding sanctions and challenges in sourcing spare parts to maintain ageing aircraft fleets.

Last week, an Iranian fighter jet also crashed during a late-night training exercise in Hamedan province, resulting in the death of one of the two pilots on board, according to state television.

Authorities have yet to release further details on Tuesday’s crash as investigations continue.