Thirteen out of 14 people, including Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, were killed when an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter crashed in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor Wednesday.
"With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons on board have died in the unfortunate accident," the Indian Air Force (IAF) announced on Twitter.
With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons on board have died in the unfortunate accident.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 8, 2021
"Gp Capt Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC with injuries is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington," the IAF tweeted.
Gp Capt Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC with injuries is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 8, 2021
Reacting to the news, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and wrote: "As India’s first CDS, Gen Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to our armed forces including defence reforms. He brought with him a rich experience of serving in the Army. India will never forget his exceptional service."
Indian news agency ANI had earlier tweeted about the crash, saying that 14 people in total were on board the chopper, including the Indian defence assistant, IAF pilots, and security commandos.
The development was confirmed by IAF via a tweet.
"An inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident," it added. However, the tweet was subsequently deleted by the IAF.
In another tweet, ANI had confirmed that two bodies, with 80% burns, were taken to a local hospital by the area's locals. "Few bodies can be seen downhill in the area of the accident. Efforts are on to retrieve the bodies and check identities: Sources," stated the ANI.
"Three people had been rescued from the crash, all suffering serious injuries, as per India Today. The injured have been shifted to the Wellington cantonment for treatment.
According to sources, CDS Bipin Rawat's staff and family members were on board the Mi-series chopper along with him when it crashed between Coimbatore and Sulur in Tamil Nadu, ANI news agency had reported.
