IAF: Gen Rawat, wife, and 12 others were killed in a helicopter crash, reports IAF

New Delhi, Dec 8, 2008 : Indias first Chief Of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, and 11 other people were killed in a helicopter crash near Coonoor, Tamil Nadus Nilgiris District on Wednesday.

The IAF announced.

"With deep regret, it is now established that Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika and 11 other passengers on board have died in an unfortunate accident," the Indian Air Force stated in a tweet.The CDS was visiting the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington to give a lecture.

The 14-person chopper was carrying 14 people when it took off from the Sulur Air Base near Coimbatore.It was then on its way to Coonoor.

The chopper was just a few minutes from landing when it hit a tree and crashed.This set off a fire that caused several deaths.

vd/sk #Rawat #helicopter #crash #Delhi #Chennai #Tamil #Kollywood #Delhi #New Delhi .