Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat is in a critical condition, had 70-80% burns
An Indian Air Force chopper crashed today, 8th December near the Coonoor in the nearby hilly Nilgiris district on Wednesday. There is a large scale wreckage and rescuers are working through thick smoke and fire to save the ones on board. There were 14 officials on the helicopter including the Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat.
The four star General of Indian Army, Bipin Rawat became the first and current CDS on India in 2019 and joined the office from 1st January 2020. He also became the head of newly created Department of Military Affairs in the recent years in which he works to integrate the three main services of India- Army, Navy and Air Force.
The 63 year old, hardworking General is admitted to the hospital but is in a very critical condition. He has faced about 70-80% burns during the crash and doubts are emerging on his survival.
He is a strong fighter who also survived the 2015 helicopter crash but this time he is severely burnt. His family members and colleagues are praying for his health and survival but his condition is not improving yet which may lead to his death.
Thirteen out of fourteen personnel involved in the crash are confirmed dead. The government is not disclosing any information regarding the condition of Bipin Rawat but there are minimal chances of his survival. Moreover, Defence minister Rajnath Singh went to the residence of CDS Bipin Rawat to console his family.
Further details are still awaited.