IN PICS | Rescue Operations On In Coonoor Where IAF Chopper Carrying CDS Bipin Rawat Crashed

An Indian Air Force helicopter with the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat on board crashed on Wednesday near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, the IAF said, as four people were killed in the mishap that happened reportedly due to low visibility owing to foggy conditions. (Image: PTI)

However, there was no immediate information on the condition of Gen Rawat, even as the IAF said a Court of Inquiry has been ordered into the accident, involving a Mi-17VH chopper that took off from the Sulur IAF Station in nearby Coimbatore.

TV visuals showed the badly damaged chopper in flames, possibly under the impact of the crash. Apparently, a major tragedy was averted as the helicopter fell at some distance away from a human habitation, averting possible mass casualties.

The accident site was a scene of despair with trees being reduced to broken pieces under the impact of the crash, flames from the chopper engulfing the wooden logs resulting in billowing smoke and personnel scurrying to douse the fire, including using buckets and water hose. What seemed to be some charred bodies were also seen lying around. (Image: PTI)

The mangled and burnt remains of the ill-fated IAF chopper were strewn along the site, even as rescue services personnel were seen carrying bodies in stretchers to be transported through waiting ambulances. (Image: PTI)

The accident site remained out of bounds for civilians. Local eyewitnesses told a Tamil TV channel they could heard a loud noise, apparently of the crash, and later saw the chopper on fire, with some of the occupants suffering serious burn injuries. (Image: PTI)

Out of the 14 people on board, eight people have died and the situation of two others is critical. Rescue operation is underway, informed Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Ramachandran. (Image: PTI)

The chopper crashed in the forest area, reportedly due to poor visibility following heavy fog. Rescue personnel, along with Army men, were seen involved in clearing the area. Medical teams from nearby Coimbatore, including burns specialists, have also been sent to Coonoor to treat the injured. (Image: PTI)