New Delhi: Speaking on the chopper crash in the Parliament today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed sorrow on the death of Gen Bipin Rawat. His statement read – “With profound grief and heavy heart, I stand to convey the unfortunate news of the crash of the military helicopter in the noon of 8th December 2021, with India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat onboard”.
Laying down the sequence of events Rajnath Singh stated how the incident occured.He further infromed that all those recovered from the wreckage were rushed to the Military Hospital, Wellington. As per the latest reports, out of the total 14 persons onboard the ill-fated helicopter, 13 have succumbed to their injuries.
His statements informed the constitution of a tri-service inquiry ordered by the Indian Air Force that will be headed by Air Marshal Manvendra Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command.
The lone survivor of the copter crash Air Force Group Captain Varun Singh, who is being treated for severe burns and is on life support officials reported. Reportedly Group Captain Singh had gone to Sulur from Wellington to receive General Rawat.
Earlier today the Black box of the helicopter was recovered. The mortal remains of the Chief and his wife are reported to arrive in Delhi by a military plane today evening. Last rites of General Rawat and his wife will take place tomorrow sources reported.