Four military officials are believed to have been killed in a chopper crash in TN (3rdLd)

Chennai, Dec 8, 2008 : A helicopter crash in Tamil Nadus Coonoor by the Indian Air Force killed at least four military officials.

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rahat was traveling with 13 othersRawat, Madhulika Rawat, and others were in the helicopter.

Rawat was scheduled to give a lecture at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, Coonoor district, at 3:00 p.m.Indian Air Force confirmed General Rawat was present and tweeted: "An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, CDS Gen Bipin Rawat aboard, collided today near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu." Two passengers sustained serious injuries.Two passengers sustained severe injuries.

Drones are being used for the search of the survivors.According to the force, an inquiry was ordered to determine the cause of the accident.

The helicopter took off from the Sulur Airbase and was heading to Wellington when it crashed.Brigadier L.S.was also in the chopper.Lidder, Lieutenant Colonel Harjinder Singh, Naik Gursewak Singh, Naik Jitender Kumar, Naik Vivek Kumar, Naik B.Sai Teja, Havaldar Satpal and pilots.The rescuers sustained serious injuries and were taken to Wellington Military Hospital.A strong police presence surrounds the hospital.

According to reports, four bodies had been recovered from the accident site.IANS was told by a former Wing Commander of Indian Air Force (IAF), that the helicopter had crashed with a strong impact and exploded based on visuals from the news channels.Dr J.Radhakrishnan, Tamil Nadu Health Secretary, stated that a special medical team was sent to Coonoor in order to treat the injured.Sources said that the Chief Minister of Tennessee may visit the hospital to treat the injured.

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