Indian Defence Chief and his wife found dead in Tamil Nadu

According to top officials in Tamil Nadu, four have been found dead, including Indian Defence Chief and his wife. The accident happened at Nanjappanchathiram area amid heavy mist and early visuals showed the helicopter in flames.

An army helicopter carrying the Indian Defence Chief Staff Bipin Rawat and other senior officials has crashed in Coonnoor in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.

I extend my condolences to the family of Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife.
This is an unprecedented tragedy and our thoughts are with their family in this difficult time.
Heartfelt condolences also to all others who lost their lives.

India stands united in this grief.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 8, 2021

The helicopter was flying from Sulur Airbase to Wellington. 14 personnel including 3-4 senior officials, were on board. Rawat’s wife was also one of those on-board.

Deeply anguished by the sudden demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other Armed Forces personnel in an extremely unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu.

His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 8, 2021