Bengaluru: The lone survivor of December 8 Mi-17V5 chopper crash in Tamil Nadu, Group Captain Varun Singh, passed away on Wednesday at Bengaluru-based Command Hospital.
In the chopper crash, CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 12 others were also killed.
The IAF (Indian Air Force) is deeply saddened to inform the passing away of brave heart Group Captain Varun Singh, who succumbed this morning to the injuries sustained in the helicopter accident on December 8, 2021. The IAF offers sincere condolences and stands firmly with the bereaved family,” the air force said in a statement on Twitter.
Singh passed away at the Air Force Command Hospital in Bengaluru.
Son of an army officer, Singh was awarded Shaurya Chakra earlier this year for displaying outstanding courage and presence of mind while handling a rare mid-air emergency involving a light combat aircraft (LCA) that he was flying last year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted about Singh’s demise. “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,” the PM wrote.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh said he was pained beyond words to learn of the officer’s demise. “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,” the minister tweeted.
Congress leader Rahul extended his condolences to Singh’s family and friends. “This is a sad moment for the country. We all are with you in this grief,” he tweeted.
