At least four people have been confirmed dead in the accident, local sources reported.

There were fourteen people, including Bipin Rawat, his wife, defense assistant, security commandos, and an IAF pilot, were on board the Mi-series chopper when it crashed between Coimbatore and Sulur in Tamil Nadu, according to Indian officials.

Three who have been rescued suffered serious injuries and have been rushed to the hospital at Wellington cantonment in Nilgiris district.

The Indian Air Force confirmed the accident on its Twitter account, stating: “An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.”

“An Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident,” it added. (ILKHA)