The Indian Air Force confirmed on December 8 that India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika, and 11 others who were travelling with him onboard the helicopter that crashed in Tamil Nadu have passed away.
Those on board the helicopter included four crew members and nine passengers including Rawat, his wife, and security officials. They had boarded the Mi17 V5 helicopter around noon when it met with a tragic accident, the Indian Air Force said. The lone survivor of the accident is Group Captain Varun Singh, who is currently undergoing treatment at the Military Hospital in Wellington.
The mortal remains of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife along with other defence personnel killed in the IAF chopper crash are expected to arrive in Delhi by December 9 evening.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin today visited the Madras Regimental Centre in Wellington and held a meeting with the defence officials present there.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
Four Indian Air Force personnel who lost their lives in the chopper crash include Wg Cdr PS Chauhan, Sqn Leader K Singh, JWO Rana Pratap Das, JWO Pradeep A. Total 13 died in the crash including CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 7 Army personnel.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates | 3-day state mourning in Uttarakhand to mark demise of CDS Bipin Rawat
Three-day state mourning in Uttarakhand 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: Abhinav Kumar, Additional Principal Secy to Uttarakhand CM
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
The bodies of CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat would be brought to their house in Delhi on December 10 and people would be allowed to pay them their last respects from 11 am to 2 pm, followed by a funeral procession which will start from Kamraj Marg to Brar Square crematorium in Delhi Cantonment.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates | CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife to be cremated on December 10
Cremation of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife to be done on Friday (December 10) in Delhi Cantonment. Their mortal remains are expected to arrive in the National Capital in a military plane by tomorrow evening.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates | CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife to be cremated on December 10
Cremation of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife to be done on Friday (December 10) in Delhi Cantonment. Their mortal remains are expected to arrive in the National Capital in a military plane by tomorrow evening.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
Condolences to be expressed in Uttarakhand Assembly tomorrow (December 9) over the death of 13 people including CDS General Bipin Rawat following which the House will be adjourned for the entire day: State Assembly Speake Premchand Aggarwal
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
Congress president Sonia Gandhi has decided not to celebrate her birthday on December 9, says AICC general secretary KC Venugopal and urges party workers and supporters to strictly avoid any celebrations
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
In today's Cabinet Committee on Security meeting headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all members observed two minutes of silence and paid tributes to all those who have lost their lives in the military chopper crash, ANI reported.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
Bhutan PM extends condolences over the demise of CDS Bipin Rawat & 12 others. “Heartaching to learn of helicopter crash in India, claiming 13 precious lives, including the CDS Gen. Bipin Rawat and wife. People of Bhutan and I offer prayers for India and the bereaved families.”
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
It’s deeply painful for me to learn about the demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat. He devoted his life to the nation. My condolences to his family: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
“General MM Naravane and all ranks of the Indian Army express their deepest grief and sorrow over the untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs Madhulika Rawat, President DWWA and 11 other military personnel in an unfortunate air accident today”: India Army
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
A very sad day for the nation as we have lost our CDS, General Bipin Rawat Ji in a very tragic accident. He was one of the bravest soldiers, who has served the motherland with utmost devotion. His exemplary contributions and commitment cannot be put into words. I am deeply pained: Home Minister Amit Shah
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
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: PM Modi
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
As India’s first CDS, Gen Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to our armed forces including defence reforms. He brought with him a rich experience of serving in the Army. India will never forget his exceptional service: PM Modi
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates | Shocked, anguished over untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat: President Ram Nath Kovind
President Ram Nath Kovind offered his condolences and wrote: “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.”
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates | Mortal remains of CDS Rawat to arrive in Delhi tomorrow
The mortal remains of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and his wife along with other defence personnel killed in the IAF chopper crash expected to arrive in Delhi by December 9 evening.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweets: “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. India stands united in this grief.”
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates | Gp Capt Varun Singh being treated at Military Hospital, Wellington
Gp Capt Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC with injuries is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington: IAF
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates | IAF confirms the death of CDS Bipin Rawat
"With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons on board have died in the unfortunate accident", read IAF's official statement on Twitter.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates | Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Chauhan was pilot of crashed Mi-17V5 chopper
Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Chauhan was the pilot of the Mi-17V5 which crashed with 14 personnel on board including CDS General Bipin Rawat. He is the Commanding Officer of the 109 Helicopter Unit: Report
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
Cabinet Committee on security to meet at 6:30 pm on December 8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to chair crucial meet.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
Ministry concerned will share information on chopper crash in Tamil Nadu: Union Minister Anurag Thakur at Cabinet briefing
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates | 13 of 14 persons onboard crashed chopper confirmed dead: Sources
Thirteen of the 14 personnel involved in the IAF chopper crash in Tamil Nadu have been confirmed dead. Identities of the bodies to be confirmed through DNA testing, news agency ANI reported quoting sources.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
After Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Army Chief General MM Naravane reaches the residence of CDS General Bipin Rawat in Delhi. An IAF chopper carrying CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 12 others crashed in Tamil Nadu on December 8.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
Government likely to issue a statement tomorrow in Parliament on the crash of the Indian Air Force chopper with Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat on board: Sources
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
Saddened to hear that the IAF chopper carrying CDS General Bipin Rawat crashed. I am trying to gather more information on the incident. As per preliminary information, he has been taken to hospital for treatment, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on December 8.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates | 5 out of 14 people onboard IAF chopper dead: Tamil Nadu minister
“I have reached here (chopper crash site) on the instructions of the CM. Out of the 14 people on board, five people have died and the situation of two others is critical. Rescue operation is underway,” said Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Ramachandran.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
The last major air-crash involving a senior Army officer was in 1993 when GOC-in-C Eastern Command Lt Gen Jameel Mehmood had died in an IAF MI-17 helicopter crash in Bhutan. His wife and MA were among the eight people who were killed in the crash.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari is reaching Sulur airbase where the tragic accident took place on December 8.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates | CDS Bipin Rawat had survived a helicopter crash in 2015
On February 2, 2015, then Lt General Bipin Rawat had had a lucky escape after a Cheetah helicopter carrying him along with three others crashed seconds after taking off from Rangapahar helipad in Nagaland's Dimapur district.
Those on board the helicopter had sustained minor injuries, Defence PRO Amit Mahajan had informed news agency PTI.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is monitoring the IAF chopper crash. He has already briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the mishap.
A meeting of senior Defence Ministry officials is also currently on.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh expresses grief over the accident. "Extremely sad to see the images of the chopper crash with CDS Bipin Rawat and his wife on board. Praying for the safety of all," he tweeted.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates | Four killed, three injured in the chopper crash
At least four persons were killed in the mishap that happened reportedly due to low visibility due to foggy conditions, reported news agency PTI. However, there was no immediate information on the condition of Gen Rawat.Official sources in Coimbatore said four bodies have been retrieved and three persons rescued from under the debris of the helicopter which crashed in Katteri-Nanchappanchathram area near Coonoor in the hilly Nilgiris district, said the report.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to brief the Parliament
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will brief the Parliament about the helicopter crash having Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat and others on board.The Indian Air Force (IAF) has said that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered into the accident.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
Rahul Gandhi has sent prayers for the speedy recovery of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and others onboard the chopper that crashed today. "Hoping for the safety of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and others onboard the chopper. Prayers for speedy recovery," he has tweeted.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates |
Bodies recovered from the site of the crash -- between Coimbatore and Sulur where a military chopper crashed -- have been taken to Military Hospital, Wellington in Tamil Nadu, sources told news agency ANI.
IAF Helicopter Crash LIVE Updates | Army helicopter with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board crashes in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor, inquiry ordered
An Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17V5 helicopter crashed in near Tamil Nadu's Coonoor having Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and 13 others on board on December 8. A total of 14 people including Bipin Rawat, his wife, Defence Assistant, security commandos and IAF pilots were on board the chopper, reported news agency ANI citing sources.
An Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17V5 helicopter crashed in near Tamil Nadu's Coonoor having Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and 13 others on board on December 8. According to various media reports, Bipin Rawat and others have been injured in teh accident.
Stay tuned to this LIVE blog for the latest updates through the day.
