Picture Credit: Twitter
In an unfortunate incident, a military helicopter with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat on board among several others crashed near Coonoor in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. The crash has killed 13 of the 14 members on board, as confirmed by the Indian Air Force in an official statement.
"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 Indian Air Force said in a tweet put out at 06:03 PM (IST) despite the helicopter crash news being confirmed a few hours ago leading to all sorts of speculation.
The cause of the crash is yet to be established and there will be an investigation in that regard. Following the confirmation of the lives lost, condolences have been pouring in from members of the Indian sporting fraternity.
"Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Sh. #BipinRawat and his wife in a tragic helicopter crash. The nation will always be grateful to Gen. Rawat for his service to the nation. Om Shanti ?? Jai Hind," wrote former India batter VVS Laxman.
"Very difficult and sad time! CDS General Bipin Rawat ji. Deeply saddened by the information of the death of our Army jawan, his wife, pilot and other assistants in the helicopter accident. May god give him a place in his feet," Olympic medallist Bajrang Punia tweeted in Hindi.
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also took to Twitter to mourn the deaths.
"Deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat, his wife Mrs. Madhulika Rawat and 11 other personnel of our armed forces. My deepest condolences to their families and well-wishers," Singh stated.
"Deeply shocked by the tragic news about the helicopter crash near Conoor. My deepest condolences on the demise of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat sir and all other persons who have lost life in this incident. #RIPBipinRawat," India women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal stated.
Moreover, Saina Nehwal, who has been out of action due to injury, also put out a Tweet after the tragic incident.
"Very sad to hear about the news …RIP #bipinrawat sir," she wrote.
"very sad Tearful tribute to CDS General Bipin Rawat ji and other army officers in MI 17 no more ? salute ? ?️ Om Shanti ?️," wrestler Geeta Phogat tweeted in Hindi.
"Extremely pained to hear about the passing away of Shri #BipinRawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 army personnel in the tragic helicopter crash. Gratitude for his wonderful service to the nation. Om Shanti," wrote former India batter Virender Sehwag.
Condolences continue to come in as the news report is being filed.