Army chopper carrying CDS Bipin Rawat on board crashes; 11 dead

At least 11 people were killed after an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter with Chief of Defence Staff  (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and senior Indian defence officials on board, crashed in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor Wednesday, Indian news agency reported.

An Army helicopter with 14 people on board, including General Bipin Rawat, crashed in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor Wednesday. 

According to reports, the crash took place in the Nilgiris. Three people have been rescued so far while a search is on for others. 

The injured people have been taken to hospital al Wellington cantonment in Nilgiris district.

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.

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.

Reports said that CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife, defence assistant, security commandos and an IAF pilot were on board when it crashed between Coimbatore and Sulur in Tamil Nadu.

CDS Bipin Rawat was en route to Wellington in Coonoor from the Indian Air Force base in Sulur near Coimbatore, as per sources.

Videos from the site of the Indian Air Force helicopter crash showed massive flames and locals helping with the immediate rescue operations. 

Local military officers have reached the location and were told that locals have taken two bodies with 80% burn injuries, while more bodies were seen downhill.

The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident on Twitter and said an inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.

"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," the IAF tweeted.

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.

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 8, 2021