Group Captain Varun Singh, a survivor of the IAF helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu on December 8 in which Chief of Defense Staff, General Bipin Rawat and 12 others were killed, died this morning.
IAF tweeted, “Indian Air Force is deeply saddened to inform about the passing away of Brave Group Captain Varun Singh, who died due to injuries sustained in a helicopter crash this morning on 08 Dec 21. IAF extends its deepest condolences and Standing with the bereaved family.”
Group Captain Singh was being treated for serious injuries in the accident at the Bengaluru Military Hospital after being taken there from Wellington in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.
Since the helicopter crash, in which he suffered 80 per cent burns, Group Captain Singh was “serious but stable”.
With his demise, all 14 people on board the unfortunate helicopter have died. These include: CDS General Rawat, his wife Madhulika and 11 other armed forces personnel.
Group Captain Singh was a respected officer who had boarded a Russian-made helicopter as Liaison Officer for the CDS’s visit. In August this year itself, he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for averting a possible mid-air accident, after a major technical snag in his LCA Tejas jet last year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled his death. “Group Captain Varun Singh served the nation with pride, valor and utmost professionalism. I am deeply hurt by his death. His rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti,” the PM said.