Helicopter crash kills India's top military official, 12 others

Bipin Rawat was traveling with his wife, staff, and security detail at the time of the crash
A helicopter carrying India's defence chief General Bipin Rawat crashed, the air force said
A helicopter carrying India's defence chief General Bipin Rawat crashed, the air force said
(AFP / Getty Images)
By Sophie Mann

India's top military official, Bipin Rawat, died Wednesday in a helicopter crash in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. 

The 63-year-old defense chief was traveling with his wife, staff and security commandos at the time of the crash in the Russian-made helicopter.

Of the 14 passengers aboard, 13 died and one is being treated at a nearby military hospital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that Rawat's "insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply."