Bipin Rawat: India's top general dies in helicopter crash

India's top military commander has died in a helicopter crash in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the air force says.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others were killed after the Mi-17V5 helicopter came down in hills near Coonoor city.

One survivor is being treated for his injuries in hospital.

Gen Rawat, 63, was appointed India's first-ever Chief of Defence Staff in January 2019.

The Indian Air Force said it had ordered an investigation into the accident. A cabinet security committee is to hold an emergency session, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.