Indian defense chief, wife killed in Air Force helicopter crash(1/4)

Rescue workers search through the debris of an Indian Air Force Mi-17V5 helicopter crash site in Coonoor, Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, India, Dec. 8, 2021. (Photo/Agencies)

An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter crashed at Coonoor in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district on Wednesday, the Indian Air Force said on social media. India's Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and 12 others including his wife were killed and one was injured in the helicopter crash, officials said.

A man stands next to the burning debris at the crash site in Coonoor, Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, India, Dec. 8, 2021. (Photo/Agencies)

People carry the bodies of victims at the crash site in Coonoor, Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, India, Dec. 8, 2021. (Photo/Agencies)

Security forces patrol near the crash site in Coonoor, Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, India, Dec. 8, 2021. (Photo/Agencies)