New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others died on Wednesday after an Indian Air Force Mi-17V-5 helicopter with 14 people onboard crashed in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor.
Group Captain Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC and the sole survivor, is undergoing treatment for injuries at the Military Hospital, Wellington.
"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," IAF tweeted.
The crash took place shortly after the Russian-made Mi-17 V5 chopper took off from the Army base in Sulur in Coimbatore for the Defence Staff Services College in Wellington.
The accident is believed to happened due to low visibility owing to foggy conditions even though the IAF said a Court of Inquiry had been ordered into the incident. TV visuals showed the badly damaged chopper in flames. The mangled and burnt remains of the IAF chopper were strewn along the site.
TIMELINE | Chopper Carrying CDS Bipin Rawat Crashed 5 Minutes Before Destination
The helicopter fell at some distance away from a human habitation, avoiding a major tragedy. Eyewitnesses said the helicopter was flying at a low altitude in foggy conditions when it crashed into a valley before falling through trees, PTI reported.
General Bipin Rawat, 63, took charge as India's first Chief of Defence Staff in January 2019. The position was set up with the aim of integrating the three services - the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
Gen Bipin Rawat A Visionary, Says Indian Army
In a statement, the Indian Army said General Bipin RawatIndia's first CDS, was a visionary who initiated far reaching reforms in the Indian military's higher defence organisation.
"General Bipin Rawat was instrumental in creating the foundation of India's joint theatre commands and giving impetus to the increased indigenisation of military equipment, a legacy which will be carried on and strengthened by successive generations," the Indian Army said.
"Madhulika Rawat, also the former President AWWA was an epitome of grace whose presence will be missed by everyone," the statement said.
PM Modi, Defence Minister Offer Condolences Over 'Sudden Demise' Of Bipin Rawat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said General Bipin Rawat was a true patriot and "greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus".
"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 tweeted.
"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," PM Modi said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Bipin Rawat's untimely death was an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country.
"General Rawat had served the country with exceptional courage and diligence. As the first Chief of Defence Staff he had prepared plans for jointness of our Armed Forces," Rajnath Singh tweeted.