CDS Gen. Bipin Rawat dies in chopper crash, confirms IAF

CDS Gen. Bipin Rawat dies in chopper crash, confirms IAF

CDS Gen. Bipin Rawat dies in chopper crash, confirms IAF

One passenger survives with severe burn injuries

New Delhi, Dec. 8 (Delhi Crown): India’s top most defence official – Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat died along with 12 others onboard the chopper that crashed in Tamil Nadu, confirmed the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday.

The ill-fated IAF’s “Mi 17 V5” helicopter was flying with a crew of 4 members, the CDS and 9 other passengers, including the CDS’ wife Madhulika Rawat.

“CDS Gen. Bipin Rawat was on a visit to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (Nilgiri Hills) to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course today. Around noon today, an IAF Mi 17 V5 helicopter with a crew of 4 members carrying the CDS and 9 other passengers met with a tragic accident near Coonoor, TN,” tweeted the IAF.

In another tweet – “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. Group Captain Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC, with injuries is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh mourned Gen. Rawat’s death. He tweeted – “Deeply anguished by the sudden demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other Armed Forces personnel in an extremely unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu. His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country.”

Rajnath Singh added – “My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this accident. Praying for the speedy recovery of Group Captain Varun Singh, who is currently under treatment at the Military Hospital, Wellington.”

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