A military helicopter crashed in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district on Wednesday afternoon. Indian Airforce confirmed in a tweet that Chief of Defence Bipin Rawat was on board the aircraft. 

At least 14 people were in the Mi-17V5 helicopter. These included the military official’s wife, Defence Assistant, Indian Air Force pilots and other security commandos, Times Now reported.

According to ANI, CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, Brig LS Lidder, Lt Col Harjinder Singh, NK Gursewak Singh, NK Jitendra Kr, L/Naik Vivek Kumar, L/Naik B Sai Teja & Hav Satpal were those on board.

According to PTI reports citing official sources, so far four bodies have been recovered from the site and three injured individuals have been rescued.

“An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. An Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident”, the Indian Air Force tweeted.

Authorities further added that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to probe the incident.

Official sources said all the injured people on board the Mi-17V5 helicopter have been evacuated from the site of the accident, PTI reported.

Initial media reports suggested that at least four people, including CDS Bipin Rawat, have been injured in the helicopter crash while an unnamed individual remains missing.

Meanwhile, wishes have been pouring for the military official. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote on Twitter, “Hoping for the safety of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and others onboard the chopper. Prayers for speedy recovery.”

ANI reported that the bodies have been taken to a Military Hospital in Tamil Nadu’s Wellington. 

Rawat is the most senior official in the Indian military. He is also an adviser to the Defense Ministry. He assumed the newly created post last year after retiring as army chief.