It has been confirmed that 13 of the 14 personnel onboard the Indian Air Force helicopter have been killed. Sources said the identity of the bodies would be confirmed through a DNA test.
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
CDS Bipin Rawat, along with his wife, defense assistant, security commandos and pilots of the Indian Air Force were on board the crashed helicopter. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will brief the Parliament on the helicopter crash.
Only Survivor of the accident Gp Capt Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC with injuries is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington.
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
An Indian Air Force helicopter carrying senior defense officers crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district on Wednesday. Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, defense assistants, security commandos and Air Force pilots were in the crashed helicopter.
Fourteen people including Brigadier LS Lidder, Lt Col Harjinder Singh, NK Gursewak Singh, NK Jitendra K, L/Nayak Vivek Kumar, L/Nayak B Sai Teja and Havildar Satpal were on board the unfortunate chopper.
Confirming the accident, the Indian Air Force tweeted, “An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, accompanied by CDS General Bipin Rawat, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. A probe is underway to ascertain the cause of the accident.” An inquiry has been ordered.”
According to reports, the bodies recovered from the accident site have been taken to the Military Hospital in Wellington, Tamil Nadu.
With news of the accident coming in, it was known that Defense Minister Rajnath Singh would be briefing the Parliament.
Sources said a meeting of senior officials of the Defense Ministry is underway and the Defense Minister has informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the accident.
Further, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur later said that the information regarding the helicopter crash would be shared by the concerned ministry in due course.
When asked about the helicopter crash, Thakur told reporters, “Full information about the accident that has happened will be shared by the ministry concerned at an appropriate time.”
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed grief over the incident and said that he has directed the local administration to provide all necessary assistance in the rescue operations.
Stalin posted on Twitter, “I am deeply shocked and dismayed to hear about the crash of an army chopper along with CDS General Bipin Rawat and 13 others near Coonoor. I directed the local administration to provide all necessary assistance in the rescue The operation is being done even when I am reaching the spot.”
In a later development, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai told reporters that as per preliminary information, CDS Rawat has been taken to the hospital for treatment. “I am trying to gather more information about the incident,” he said.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will brief the Parliament on the helicopter crash. According to ANI sources, he is currently monitoring the situation. Sources said a meeting of senior officials of the Defense Ministry is underway and the Defense Minister has informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the accident.
After the news of the accident, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari tweeted, “Shocked to hear about the tragic accident of helicopter with CODS Shri Bipin Rawat ji. I pray for everyone’s safety, well being.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also took to Twitter and said, “Safety expected for the safety of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and others on board the helicopter. Praying for a speedy recovery.”
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also tweeted, “Reported of the crash of Army helicopter carrying CDS Gen Shri Bipin Rawat ji and other senior army officers in Tamil Nadu. I wish him good health and good health. I’m praying.”