New Delhi: Expressing shock to hear about the “tragic crash” of an Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17V5 helicopter with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on board, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday prayed for everyone’s safety and well-being.
“Shocked to hear about the tragic crash of helicopter with CoDS Shri Bipin Rawat ji on board. I pray for everyone's safety, wellbeing,” he tweeted.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on his part hoped for the safety of General Rawat and others onboard the chopper while praying for their speedy recovery.
“Hoping for the safety of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and others onboard the chopper. Prayers for speedy recovery,” he tweeted.
Former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh also echoed similar sentiments stating that he was “extremely sad” to see the images of the chopper crash.
“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 wrote on the micro-blogging platform.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also prayed for the well-being and safety of all on board the chopper.
“Praying for the well-being and safety of CDS General Shri Bipin Rawat Ji, his family and senior Army officials who were on-board on an Army helicopter that crashed in Tamil Nadu,” he tweeted.
Earlier in the day, an IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with General Rawat on board, met with an accident near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.
An inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.
“An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. An Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the IAF tweeted.
Reports suggest that 14 people, including General Rawat’s wife, Defence Assistant, security commandos and the IAF pilots, were on board the chopper.
Three have been rescued with injuries and taken to the Military Hospital in Wellington, while four are reportedly dead in the incident.
As per reports, General Rawat has been taken to the hospital.
At least two people on board the chopper have been admitted with 80 percent injuries. Their identities, have, however, not been revealed yet.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has ordered a high-level treatment to the Chief of Defence Staff.
Stalin, who will be leaving for Coonoor at 5 p.m., has instructed the Health Secretary to depute equipped medical team at Nilgiris to assist in the treatment.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to brief the Parliament later in the day on the IAF chopper crash.