Group Captain Varun Singh, lone survivor of IAF chopper crash, succumbs to injuries
Group Captain Varun Singh was conferred the Shaurya Chakra in August for averting a possible mid-air accident after his Tejas light combat aircraft developed a major technical snag last year.
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New Delhi, Dec 15: The lone survivor of the Tamil Nadu chopper crash, Group Captain Varun Singh, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital on Wednesday. He was under treatment at Command Hospital in Bengaluru. He was shifted to the Air Force Command hospital last Thursday from Wellington's Military Hospital for further treatment. The Group Captain's medical condition was said to be critical but stable.
"IAF is deeply saddened to inform the passing away of braveheart Group Captain Varun Singh, who succumbed this morning to the injuries sustained in the helicopter accident on December 8. IAF offers sincere condolences and stands firmly with the bereaved family," the IAF tweeted.
He was conferred the Shaurya Chakra in August for averting a possible mid-air accident after his Tejas light combat aircraft developed a major technical snag last year.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika and 11 armed forces personnel passed away in the Mi-17V5 helicopter crash near Coonoor. On Friday, the bodies of General Rawat, his wife and his defence assistant Brigadier LS Lidder were cremated with full military honours in the Brar Square crematorium in the national capital.
Also Read: 'Heartfelt gratitude': IAF Air Vice Marshal Sanjeev Raj pens down an emotional note to Coonoor people
PM Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Group Captain Varun Singh, who was the lone survivor of the military chopper crash, and said that the latter's rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. "Group Captain Varun Singh served the nation with pride, valour and utmost professionalism. I am extremely anguished by his passing away. His rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti," PM Modi tweeted.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other ministers also condoled the Group Captain's demise. "Deeply pained to learn about the passing away of Group Captain Varun Singh, who was battling with the injuries after the helicopter accident in Coonoor. May God bless the Brave's soul and give strength to his family. My deepest condolences. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti," Shah tweeted.
Taking to Twitter, Rajnath Singh said," Pained beyond words to learn of the demise of IAF pilot, Group Captain Varun Singh. He was a true fighter who fought till his last breath. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends. We stand firmly with the family, in this hour of grief."