India defense chief among 13 dead in helicopter crash – air force
Firemen and rescue workers stand next to the debris of an IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter crash site in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, on December 8, 2021. – A helicopter carrying India’s defence chief General Bipin Rawat crashed, the air force said, with a government minister at the scene saying at least seven people were dead. (Photo by AFP)
New Delhi,
India
—
India’s defense chief General Bipin Rawat and his wife were among 13 people killed in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, the Indian Air Force said.
“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,” the air force said on Twitter.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rawat is India’s first chief of defense staff, a position that the government established in 2019, and is seen as close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The 63-year-old was traveling with his wife and 12 others in a Russian-made Mi-17 chopper that “met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu,” the air force earlier said.
‘Solid North’? Ilocano group files DQ case vs Bongbong Marcos
Vico Sotto calls out ‘fake’ trust rating survey pitting him vs vice mayor
Bongbong Marcos-Sara Duterte tandem reaches Metro Manila
READ:
Helicopter crashes with India military chief on board, 7 dead
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Read Next
Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine neutralizes Omicron virus variant with three shots
EDITORS’ PICK
MOST READ
Don’t miss out on the latest news and information.
View comments