An Indian Air Force helicopter Mi-I17V-5 has crashed near Coonoor in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu today. It was attended by Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat, his staff and family members. Orders have been given to ascertain the cause of the accident.
Preliminary reports suggested that the helicopter carrying senior army officers crashed due to thick clouds. The details are awaited. Rescue and relief operations are on. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will brief the Parliament about the helicopter crash.