New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife were among 13 killed in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, the Air Force said. Sole survivor, Group Captain Varun Singh, is being treated for 90 per cent burn injuries, it added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said General Bipin Rawat was an "outstanding soldier" and that "India will never forget his exceptional service".
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoled the death of the top defence official and said, "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".
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the accident an unprecedented tragedy. "I extend my condolences to the family of Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife. This is an unprecedented tragedy and our thoughts are with their family in this difficult time. Heartfelt condolences also to all others who lost their lives," he wrote on Twitter.
General Bipin Rawat's Defence Assistant, security commandos and Indian Air Force personnel were also among the 14 on board in a Mi-17 V5 chopper that "met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu," the air force said.
Visuals showed the badly damaged chopper in flames, possibly under the impact of the crash. The accident site was a scene of despair with trees being reduced to broken pieces under the impact of the crash, flames from the chopper engulfing the wooden logs resulting in billowing smoke and personnel scurrying to douse the fire, including using buckets and water hose.
What seemed to be some charred bodies were also seen lying around.
Here are the Highlights on Air Force Chopper Crash With CDS Bipin Rawat Onboard:
Dec 08, 2021 23:06 (IST)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to make a statement in Lok Sabha at 11:15 AM and in Rajya Sabha around 12 PM on the Air Force chopper crash.
Dec 08, 2021 22:07 (IST)
General Bipin Rawat and his wife will be cremated on Friday in Delhi Cantonment. Their bodies are expected to arrive in the national capital in a military plane by tomorrow evening.
Dec 08, 2021 21:53 (IST)
Three-day State mourning in Uttarkhand on the demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other Armed Forces personnel in a helicopter crash in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu earlier today, said Abhinav Kumar, Additional Principal Secretory to Uttarakhand Chief Minister
Dec 08, 2021 20:54 (IST)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will make a statement on Tamil Nadu helicopter crash in both the Houses of Parliament tomorrow.
Dec 08, 2021 19:52 (IST)
US condoles General Bipin Rawat's death
The US Embassy extended its deepest condolences to the Rawat family and the families of those who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.
As India's first Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat spearheaded a historic period of transformation in the military. He was a strong friend and partner of the United States, overseeing a major expansion of India's defense cooperation with the US military. In September, he spent five days traveling throughout the United States as part of a counterpart visit with General Mark Milley to discuss military developments and opportunities to enhance our cooperation with like-minded countries. His legacy will continue on.
Dec 08, 2021 19:34 (IST)
In the top security meeting, all members observed two minutes of silence and paid tributes to all those who lost their lives in the chopper crash.
Dec 08, 2021 18:52 (IST)
General Bipin Rawat Dies: Shocked and saddened beyond words, says BS Yediyurappa
"Shocked and saddened beyond words at the most tragic death of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 11 other Officers in the helicopter crash. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayers for the injured officer. Om Shanti," tweeted BS Yediyurappa.
Dec 08, 2021 18:41 (IST)
Indian Air Force's Group Captain Varun Singh, injured in an air force chopper crash which killed General Bipin Rawat, was awarded Shaurya Chakra on this year's Independence Day for saving his LCA Tejas fighter aircraft during an aerial emergency in 2020, reports news agency ANI.
Dec 08, 2021 18:36 (IST)
PM Modi On General Bipin Rawat
"I am deeply anguished by the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu in which we have lost Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and other personnel of the Armed Forces. They served India with utmost diligence. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," wrote PM Modi on Twitter.
Dec 08, 2021 18:28 (IST)
General Bipin Rawat dies in chopper crash: Shocked and anguished, tweets President
"I am shocked and anguished over the untimely demise of Gen. Bipin Rawat and his wife, Madhulika ji. The nation has lost one of its bravest sons. His four decades of selfless service to the motherland was marked by exceptional gallantry and heroism. My condolences to his family," tweeted President Ram Nath Kovind.
