The Indian Air Force has confirmed that Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, and his wife were among 13 people killed after an IAF chopper they were travelling in crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district earlier this afternoon.

“With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that General Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons on board have died in the unfortunate accident,” IAF’s tweet read. Thirteen of the fourteen occupants of the IAF chopper were killed, while one man reportedly survived. The IAF had earlier said, “Around noon today, an IAF Mi 17 V5 helicopter with a crew of 4 members carrying the CDS and 9 other passengers met with a tragic accident near Coonoor, TN.” The IAF also ordered an inquiry to ascertain the cause of the accident.

Expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier. A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply. Om Shanti.”

Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier. A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/YOuQvFT7Et

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2021