CDS Bipin Rawat was returning from Wellington where the plan was to go from Coonoor

CDS Bipin Rawat was returning from Wellington where the plan was to go from Coonoor

  

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An Air Force helicopter crashed in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. It was accompanied by Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat along with his staff, senior army officers and family members.

There were a total of 14 people inside the helicopter including two pilots. The people present at the spot have pulled out two bodies from the rubble, which are up to 80 percent burnt.

Where did the accident happen?

The accident happened in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. This is a densely forested area, it is also called 'Queen of Hill Station'. The helicopter crashed between Coimbatore and Sulur. This helicopter took off from Sulur. The Air Force has ordered an inquiry into the accident.

Why was CDS Rawat aboard?

CDS General Rawat had gone to Wellington Armed Forces College to attend an event. Returning from there, they were coming towards Coonoor. His wife Madhulika Rawat, five commandos and personal security personnel deployed under his protection, a brigadier and a lieutenant colonel were also on board the helicopter. The CDS was to leave for Delhi after reaching Coonoor.

What happened in the rescue operation?

According to the information so far, two bodies have been recovered from the debris, which are up to 80 percent burnt. It is being told that some bodies are also present under the hilly area. They are yet to be identified. So far three people have been rescued. The condition of two of them is said to be serious. Six ambulances are present at the spot.

How reliable is the helicopter?

This helicopter of the Air Force was of the Mi series. This Mi-17V5 helicopter has two engines. This is called VIP Chopper. The Air Force has been using it for a long time. Wherever there is no airstrip, VIP movement is done through this helicopter.