Gen. Bipin Rawat with wife Madhulika Rawat.Photo: Raajessh Kashyap/Hindustan Times via Getty
India’s top military official, Gen. Bipin Rawat, died in a helicopter crash on Wednesday alongside his wife and 11 others. One person on board survived and has been hospitalized for their injuries.
An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter carrying 14 people — including Rawat, the country’s Chief of Defense Staff — “met with a tragic accident” and crashed in southern India around noon local time, according to the Indian Air Force.
At the time of the crash, they weretraveling for a lectureat a military college in Wellington, located in the state of Tamil Nadu, the IAF shared.
“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 IAF wrote, identifying the other victims as “Service personnel.”
Firemen and rescue workers at scene of IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter crash in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.AFP via Getty
The type of Russian-made helicopter involved in the crash is widely used among army personnel and government ministers in India, according toNBC News.
The IAF has ordered an inquiry todetermine the cause of the crash, which is not yet known.
Thesole survivorhas been identified as Group Capt. Varun Singh, who is undergoing treatment for his injuries at a military hospital in Wellington, per the IAF. The extent of his injuries is not currently known.
Rescue operations near site of helicopter crash in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.AFP via Getty
Rawat, who began his career in the Indian Army in 1978, was appointed India’s first Chief of Defense Staff in December 2019, perCNN. Before that, he served as Chief of Army Staff.
The most senior official in the Indian military, Rawat, 63, helped modernize the country’s armed forces, according toCNBC.
He also survived a previous helicopter crash in 2015, the outlet reported.
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The prime minister went on to call Rawat a “true patriot,” adding that “India will never forget his exceptional service.”
Gen. Bipin Rawat.Sonu Mehta/Hindustan Times via Getty
India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also shared a tribute following the tragic crash.
“My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this accident,” he continued, adding that he was also “praying for the speedy recoveryof Gp Capt Varun Singh.”
source: people.com
