NEW DELHI: India's military chief General Bipin Rawat and 12 others were killed in a helicopter crash in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
There were 14 people, including Rawat's wife and his staff, on board the Indian Air Force's Mi-17V5 helicopter when it went down near Coonoor.
"With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons on board have died in the unfortunate accident," the Indian Air Force said.
One injured officer is receiving treatment at a military hospital.
The helicopter had taken off from the Sulur Air Force Station in the Coimbatore district and was on its way to the Defence Services Staff College at Wellington in the Nilgiris district, Indian media reported.
Wellington is located about 80 km away from Coimbatore.
Rawat, 63, after his retirement as army chief became India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 2019 when the post was created.
As CDS, he also headed the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), a newly-created body to coordinate affairs of the army, navy and the air force.
"As India's first CDS, Gen Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to our armed forces including defence reforms. He brought with him a rich experience of serving in the Army. India will never forget his exceptional service," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Rawat's death as "an irreparable loss" for the armed forces and India.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Dec 08 2021
India's military chief General Bipin Rawat and 12 others were killed in a helicopter crash in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. - Twitter @karthickselvaa
Pesawat terhempas: Polis serah siasatan kepada CAAM
Polis serahkan kepada pihak berkuasa Penerbangan Awam Malaysia (CAAM) membuat siasatan berhubung pesawat ringan terhempas di Trolak, Perak.
Pesawat ringan terhempas di Tanjung Malim sedang jalani latihan penerbangan - Polis
Pesawat ringan yang terhempas di sebuah ladang dekat Felda Gunung Besout 2, Sungkai di Tanjung Malim pada Sabtu dilaporkan sedang menjalani latihan penerbangan.
Piala Thomas: Lee Chong Wei seru penyokong banjiri tayangan skrin besar
"Jom beri sokongan kepada pasukan Piala Thomas Malaysia petang ini di tempat masing-masing."
Piala Thomas: Misi skuad negara padam reputasi atas kertas
Jika dinilai daripada segi kedudukan ranking dan rekod pertemuan, pasukan negara tidak memiliki banyak kelebihan.
Konflik di Gaza terus jadi "perang terhadap wanita" - UNRWA
Israel terus menyasarkan wanita dalam serangan tanpa henti rejim Zionis di Semenanjung Gaza, kata UNRWA.
Kemajuan pembinaan ECRL di empat negeri cecah purata 65 peratus - Loke
Kemajuan pelaksanaan projek ECRL yang merangkumi Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, dan Selangor telah mencapai purata 65 peratus setakat April.
Sekurang-kurangnya 15 maut di Sulawesi
Sekurang-kurangnya 15 terbunuh akibat banjir dan tanah runtuh di dua daerah Sulawesi Selatan.
Perayu jemaah haji sudah terima panggilan
Mereka yang layak selepas membuat rayuan sudah menerima panggilan, dengan penerbangan pertama ke Tanah Suci dijadualkan pada 9 Mei ini.
10,000 wanita terbunuh sejak Israel mengganas
Israel terus menyasarkan wanita dalam serangan tanpa henti rejim Zionis di Semenanjung Gaza, kata Agensi Kerja dan Bantuan Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu bagi Pelarian Palestin (UNRWA) pada Jumaat.
Jabatan Perbendaharaan AS lawat Malaysia, Singapura minggu depan
Pegawai tertinggi sekatan Jabatan Perbendaharaan Amerika Syarikat (AS) akan ke Singapura dan Malaysia minggu depan, dalam usaha menyekat saluran dana kepada Iran dan proksinya selain pengelakan sekatan terhadap Russia.