An Indian helicopter transporting Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat has crashed in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, killing all 14 aboard.
In a tweet, Indian air force said an IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter met with an accident near Coonoor hill station, Tamil Nadu. It added that a probe has been ordered to ascertain the reason behind the incident.
Earlier the Indian media reported that the top general reportedly was in critical condition as he received 70 to 80 percent burns on his body. Others onboard the chopper included Rawat’s wife Madhulika Rawat, air force personnel and security commandos.
The crash occurred shortly after the Russian Mi-17 V5 transport helicopter flew from the air force base in Sulur, Coimbatore, for Wellington, Tamil Nadu. As per some reports, the chopper was already descending and would have landed in 10 minutes, near Wellington.
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
Videos emerging from the crash site showed wreckage spread on a hillside and rescuers struggling through fire and dense smoke to search for bodies. Charred bodies were pulled out by local residents and police personnel from under metal and collapsed trees.
Former army chief Rawat, 63, assumed his office as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff in January 2019. The slot was made with an aim of incorporating the three services – the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. He was also given charge as the chief of the newly-formed Department of Military Affairs.
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