In a bit of shocking news coming in from Tamil Nadu, an Indian Army helicopter carrying Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and others crashed near the Coonoor area Wednesday. As per recent updates, Rawat and wife have been confirmed dead.
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The official handle of Indian Air Force posted, "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."
According to a statement from the Air Force, "an inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident."
The crash occurred in the forests between Coimbatore and Sulur. As per The Print, four people were confirmed to have been rescued from the crash site, while five bodies were recovered. A rescue operation for others who were on board the chopper is underway. As per a ANI report, 13 out of the 14 passengers on board have been confirmed dead, their identities will be confirmed after DNA testing.
As per reports, the mortal remains of General Rawat and his wife will be brought to Delhi in a military plane from Coimbatore. Before that there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at Wellington. The bodies will be brought to General Rawat's residence where people will be able to pay their last respects between 11 am to 2 pm. The funeral procession will start from Kamraj Marg to Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment.
Reports suggest the chopper took off from the Sulur army base this morning and was headed to the Defence Services College in Wellington with General Rawat.
Gen Bipin Rawat And Wife Aboard Chopper That Crashed: What We Know So Far
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Visuals from the crash site show helicopter wreckage amid smoke and forest debris.
Some sources quoted in various reports had earlier claimed the CDS is presently under treatment in hospital. Those injured in the crash have reportedly been moved to a military hospital in Wellington.
As per reports, locals informed defence authorities of the crash, which occurred around 12:20 PM, in the forest. While the identities of others on the chopper were previously being withheld, news agency ANIhas named Brigadier LS Lidder and Lieutenant Colonel Harjinder Singh as among the people flying with General Rawat.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to address the accident today in Parliament, which is presently holding its winter session.
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