IAF Chopper Crash Updates: An Indian Air Force helicopter Mi-17V5 crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. The accident was so terrible that the helicopter got shattered as soon as it fell in the forest. The Air Force said that India’s first Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 12 other army officers were on board this helicopter.
13 out of 14 people died
According to reports, 13 people have died in the accident, while one person who managed to escape is being treated due to severe burns. The condition of General Bipin Rawat is not yet known. News agency ANI quoted sources as saying that 13 of the 14 personnel involved in the military helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu have been confirmed dead. All dead bodies will be identified through DNA testing. News agency PTI has also confirmed the death of 13 people.
How did the incident happen?
The accident reportedly took place due to low visibility due to foggy conditions. The helicopter crashed at around 12.20 am. The Air Force said that an inquiry has been ordered into the accident. The helicopter took off from Sulur Air Force Base near Coimbatore. CDS General Rawat was on his way to the Defense Services College (DSC) in Wellington when the helicopter crashed, an official said. The area of Tamil Nadu where this vehicle crashed is a complete forest area. Smoke is rising around after the helicopter crash.
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Official sources in Coimbatore said the helicopter crashed in Nanjappanachathiram area near Coonoor in the hilly region of the Nilgiris district. The helicopter carrying some senior officers was on its way from Sulur in Coimbatore to DSC in Wellington, where General Rawat, along with Chief of Army Staff MM Naravane, was to attend an event later. TV footage showed flames rising in the helicopter after the accident. Rescue workers, along with army personnel, were seen clearing debris from the crash site.
Defense Minister will give statement in Parliament tomorrow
All India Radio (AIR) has reported that Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to make a statement on the matter in Parliament tomorrow. At the same time, news agency PTI has quoted Union Minister Anurag Thakur as saying that information will be given by the concerned ministry regarding the helicopter accident in Tamil Nadu. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh reached General Rawat’s residence in New Delhi sometime back and met his family members.
AIR has also reported that Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has asked Air Force Chief VR Choudhary to reach the site of the accident. The Army has informed that an inquiry has been ordered to find out the cause of the accident. General Rawat was appointed as India’s first Chief of Defense Staff on January 1, 2020. Prior to this he was the Chief of Indian Army.
List of people on board the helicopter
– CDS Gen Bipin Rawat
– Madhulika Rawat
– Brigadier LS Lidder, (Brig LS Lidder)
– Lt Col Harjinder Singh (Lt Col Harjinder Singh)
– NK Gursewak Singh
– NK Jitendra Kumar
– L/NK Vivek Kumar (L/Naik Vivek Kumar)
– L/NK B Sai Teja (L/Naik B Sai Teja)
– Havildar Satpal
5 crew members were also aboard the helicopter.