A military chopper crashed in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor on Wednesday. According to reports, 14 passengers were on board the aircraft, including Bipin Rawat, his wife, the Defence Assistant,
security commandos and IAF pilots.
The chopper was heading to the Wellington defence establishment, when it crashed due to reduced visibility because of foggy weather, reportedly.
According to the latest updates, CDS Gen Rawat’s condition is said to be critical. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will brief the parliament tomorrow.
Here’s what we know so far.
--Along with General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, Brigadier L.S. Lidder, Lieutenant Colonel Harjinder Singh, Naik Gursewak Singh, Naik Jitender Kumar, Naik Vivek Kumar, Naik B. Sai Teja,
Havaldar Satpal and pilots were travelling in the chopper.
--The chopper carrying the army personnel and family of Bipin Rawat crashed at around 12:20 pm at Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri Hills.
--Witness account: According to media reports, a civilian heard a loud explosion and rushed out to see what had happened. He saw that the army chopper had collided with a tree and a massive
fire had erupted. The man immediately called the neighbours and the authorities were informed. The media outlets have quoted a witness saying that he saw multiple bodies falling out of the crashed chopper.
--According to a media report, the death toll in CDS Gen Rawat's chopper crash had increased to 11.
--No information has been released about Gen Rawat’s condition.
--As per the latest updates, defence minister Rajnath Singh has reached the Delhi residence of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat.
--Rajnath Singh has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
--MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, said he has directed the local authorities to provide all necessary help in the rescue operations. He will travel to the crash scene around
5 p.m.
--Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Ramachandran has reached the crash site on the orders of CM and has been monitoring the rescue operation.
--The visuals of the chopper crash are going viral on social media. The viral photos and videos show a badly damaged aircraft engulfed in flames.
--According to reports, a major tragedy was averted when the Mi-17V5 helicopter crashed a little away from human habitation to avoid mass casualties.
--The accident site was a depressing scene, with trees broken by the impact, flames from the chopper engulfing the wooden logs, resulting in billowing smoke, and rescuers hurrying to put
out the fire with buckets and water hoses.
--For now, the identities of those who were killed are being withheld.
--The bodies that have been recovered, according to former Army chief General JJ Singh, are charred, making identification difficult.
--While confirming that General Rawat was on board, the Air Force stated that an investigation into the cause of the accident has been ordered.
--All dignitaries have expressed grief over the tragic accident and deaths of army personnel, and pray for the safety of Gen Rawat and others.