Update: Unofficial reports have revealed that CDS Rawat's wife Madhulika Rawat tragically passed away in the crash. Official confirmation is awaited.
Reports suggest there were 14 passengers onbaord the crashed chopper, 11 of whom are feared dead. Two passengers were severely injured. Drones are being used to locate the survivors. The force said that an inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. The chopper took off from the Sulur airbase and was proceeding to Wellington when it crashed.
Original article
In a shocking development, an Indian Army helicopter crashed in Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and three other defence officials were onboard. According to reports, some of CDS Rawat's family members, including his wife, were also in the IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter when it crashed between Coimbatore and Sulur.
According to sources, there were at least four people onboard besides the crew of the chopper that tragically crashed. Official details on the number of people on the chopper are yet to be revealed. CDS Rawat was travelling to Wellington Staff College for a lecture when the incident took place.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the crash. The statement said that probe has also been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.
It is reported that three people were rescued and injured persons were shifted to the Army facility in Wellington in the Nilgiris. Two bodies with 80 percent burns were recovered and rushed to the hospital by the locals. Local military officers are conducting searches as few bodies might be downhill near the crash site.
Search and rescue operations have been launched from nearby army bases. Injuries have been reported, however, official details on the incident are awaited.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that he hoped that everyone on the chopper was safe, including Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat.
"Hoping for the safety of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and others onboard the chopper. Prayers for speedy recovery." Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
This is a developing story...
