General Bipin Rawat, India's chief of defence staff. (Photographer: T. Narayan/Bloomberg)
4 years ago
Dec 08, 2021
An Indian Air Force Mi-17V5 helicopter crashed near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu earlier today, as confirmed by the IAF in a twitter post.Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat was on board, reportedly with colleagues and some family members including his wife. More details are awaited regarding survivors.An inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident, the IAF said.
#IndianArmy also conveys heartfelt condolences & stands firm in support of the bereaved families of the following personnel. Brig LS Lidder Lt Col H Singh Wg Cdr PS Chauhan Sqn Ldr K Singh JWO Das JWO Pradeep A Hav Satpal Nk Gursewak Singh Nk Jitender L/Nk Vivek L/Nk S Teja (3/n) pic.twitter.com/7Ij7YBYi2J
Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier. A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/YOuQvFT7Et
General Rawat had served the country with exceptional courage and diligence. As the first Chief of Defence Staff he had prepared plans for jointness of our Armed Forces.
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.
Government broadcaster Doordarshan News confirmed that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will brief the Parliament on Thursday on the helicopter crash that had onboard Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat and 13 others.
Details of the chopper crash will be announced later at the appropriate time by the concerned ministry, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said during the press meeting on Cabinet decisions.
I have reached here (chopper crash site) on the instructions of the CM. Out of the 14 people on board, five people have died and the situation of two others is critical. Rescue operation is underway: Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Ramachandran pic.twitter.com/GNMHZ2Qqhk
Defence Minister @rajnathsingh expected to brief #Parliament on the crash of Army chopper in #Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu; the chopper was carrying Chief of Defence Staff General #BipinRawat, his staff and family members
An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. An Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.
