Coonoor: An Indian Air Force helicopter, with Chief of Staff of the Army General Bipin Rawat on board, along with his wife and staff crashed near Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor on Wednesday.
The Mi-17V5 helicopter was carrying 14 people when it crashed, the Indian Air Force has confirmed. "The IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter was airborne from Sulur for Wellington. There were 14 persons on board, including the crew," the Indian Air Force said.
Also read: Breaking: Chopper carrying CDS Bipin Rawat, his family members crashes, two bodies retrieved
According to ANI news agency, CDS Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, defence assistant, security commandos and an IAF pilot were on board the Mi-series chopper when it crashed between Coimbatore and Sulur in Tamil Nadu.
Earlier on Wednesday, CDS General Bipin Rawat boarded a flight from Delhi to Sulur along with eight others. This includes a Brigadier and Lieutenant Colonel rank officers. It is unknown if they were onboard the chopper when it crashed.
*It is a developing story. More details awaited.