General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Defence Staff, and his wife were among 13 people killed in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, according to the Air Force. Group Captain Varun Singh, the lone survivor, is being treated for 90% burn injuries.
Leaders, combined armed forces and millions of people mourned their demise and wished the lone survivor speedy recovery.
In his message the Prime Minister of India said Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier. A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply. Om Shanti.
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. The President of India said.
It’s deeply painful for me to learn of the loss of lives in the chopper crash. I join the fellow citizens in paying tributes to each of those who died while performing their duty. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. President added.
“Deeply pained by the tragic demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 11 other Armed Forces members in an incredibly regrettable chopper accident today in Tamil Nadu,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a statement.
General Bipin Rawat India’s First CDS Chief no more – An outstanding Soldier – PM Says
The Defence Assistant of General Bipin Rawat, security commandos, and Indian Air Force personnel were among the 14 people on board a Mi-17 V5 helicopter that “met with an accident today in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu,” according to the air force.
The highly damaged chopper was seen engulfed in flames, probably as a result of the incident.
IAF Chopper Flight Manifest – Passengers on Board List
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 & commitment cannot be put into words. I am deeply pained. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said
Deeply saddened to hear the terrible news of the helicopter accident involving 🇮🇳 CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife, staff and Air Force crew. wrote Australian High Commissioner in India.
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.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General MM Naravane visited Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat’s home today. Their visits came after a chopper carrying Gen Rawat crashed, killing 13 people.
