Group Captain Varun Singh, lone survivor of chopper crash, dies
Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Varun Singh, the only survivor of the Tamil Nadu chopper crash, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday morning, the force announced. He had been undergoing treatment at a Bengaluru military hospital for the past few days. The tragic crash occurred on December 8, killing India's topmost military officer and a dozen others. Here are more details.
IAF confirms Singh's demise
"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 08 Dec 21 (sic)," the Air Force wrote in a Twitter post. "IAF offers sincere condolences and stands firmly with the bereaved family," the force added.
PM Modi pays tribute
"Group Captain Varun Singh served the nation with pride, valour and utmost professionalism. I am extremely anguished by his passing away (sic)," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet. "His rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti." Group Captain Singh had been on life support, officials said.
IAF probe into chopper crash underway
On December 8, an IAF Mi-series chopper crashed in Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu. The crash killed Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika, and other officials on board. They were headed to the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, to address the faculty and students there. An IAF inquiry led by Air Marshal Manvendra Singh is ongoing.
Who was Group Captain Varun Singh?
Group Captain Varun Singh was awarded the Shaurya Chakra in August for averting a possible mid-air accident last year. His Tejas light combat aircraft was hit by a technical failure but he managed to successfully execute an emergency landing. Group Captian Singh's father is KP Singh, a retired Colonel in the Army Air Defence Regiment. He is survived by his wife and two children.
