Ex-Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat reportedly died in a helicopter crash

An Indian Air Force Mi-17V5 helicopter carrying Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. “An inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the Indian Air Force said in a tweet.

There were 14 people on board, including Rawat’s wife, security commandos, and the pilot.

#WATCH | Latest visuals from the spot (between Coimbatore and Sulur) where a military chopper crashed in Tamil Nadu. CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his staff and some family members were in the chopper.

(Video Source: Locals involved in search and rescue operation) pic.twitter.com/YkBVlzsk1J

— ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2021

Latest visuals from the spot (between Coimbatore and Sulur) where a military chopper crashed in Tamil Nadu. CDS Bipin Rawat, his staff and some family members were in the chopper.

(Pics Source: Locals involved in search and rescue operation) pic.twitter.com/miALr88sm1

— ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2021

The local military officers, who reached the location, we're told that local residents had taken two passengers who had suffered 80% burns to the hospital, ANI reported.

Search and rescue teams are checking nearby bases for more passengers.

More details are awaited.