IAF Helicopter Crash Live Updates: A Tri-Service Inquiry Has Been Ordered, Says Rajnath Singh
Follow all developments surrounding the IAF chopper crash that killed CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 military personnel here.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Briefs Parliament On IAF Chopper Crash In Tamil Nadu
A tri-service inquiry headed by Air Marshal Manvendra Singh has been ordered into the IAF helicopter crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Lok Sabha.
The Air Force Mi-17V5 helicopter took off from Sulur Air Base at 11:48 a.m. on Wednesday and was expected to land at Wellington by 12:15 p.m., said Singh. Air Traffic Control at Sulur Air Base lost contact with the helicopter at 12:08 p.m.
All those recovered from the wreckage were rushed to the Military Hospital in Wellington. "Out of the 14 people on-board, 13 have succumbed to their injuries. Group Captain Varun Singh is on life support in the Military Hospital at Wellington and all efforts are being made to save his life."
The minister said that the Chief Of Defence Staff will be cremated with full military honours and "the last rites of other military personnel will be performed with appropriate military honour," he added.
Cremation of CDS Bipin Rawat, His Wife To Be Held At Delhi Cantonment
The cremation of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat is planned to be done on Friday in Delhi Cantonment.
IAF Chief Arrives At Chopper Crash Site
India’s Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife are among 13 people who were killed in the Indian Air Force chopper crash reported earlier on 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 said in a tweet.
One member of the staff onboard, Group Captain Varun Singh SC, is injured and under treatment, the IAF said.
The cabinet committee on security, chaired by the prime minister, also met.
The mortal remains of the deceased have been kept at the Military Hospital in Wellington and are expected to be flown to New Delhi on Dec. 9, state broadcaster DD News confirmed.
