Srinagar, Dec 08 (KNS): 13 out of the total 14 personnel onboard an Indian Air Force chopper, which crashed in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday morning, have been confirmed dead.

Reports reaching Kashmir News Service (KNS) said that 14 persons including Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat were onboard an Air Force Mi-17 V5 helicopter that crashed near Coonoor area of Tamil Nadu today morning.

They said that out of the total 14 personnel onboard, 13 have been confirmed dead, while the condition of Bipin Rawat was not known yet.

They said that the identification of the bodies will be confirmed through DNA testing.

Meanwhile, Indian Air Forces said that the IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter was airborne from Sulur for Wellington and there were 14 persons on board, including the crew.

Reports also said that Bipin Rawat’s wife, his defence assistant, security commandos and Air Forces personnel were also on board the 

The Air Force on its official Twitter handle said that an inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. 

“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,” IAF Tweeted. (KNS)