Highlights:
- The helicopter accident happened in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.
- The unfortunate tragedy occurred on December 8th.
- Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, his wife Madhulika, and other Defence personnel lost their lives in the helicopter accident.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) officially confirmed that Group Captain Varun Singh, the lone survivor of the December 8 IAF helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu, had died from his injuries.
The disaster in Coonoor claimed the lives of India’s top military leader, Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika, and 11 others.
In a tweet Wednesday, the IAF said: “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. IAF offers sincere condolences and stands firmly with the bereaved family.”
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. IAF offers sincere condolences and stands firmly with the bereaved family.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 15, 2021
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief at his 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,” he tweeted.
Also Read: CDS Bipin Rawat Was Alive At Helicopter Crash Site, Died On Way To Hospital, Says Rescuer
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 15, 2021
Singh, who was awarded the Shaurya Chakra this year on Independence Day, was originally treated for injuries at the Military Hospital in Wellington before being transferred to the Air Force Command Hospital in Bengaluru. He was being treated for severe burn injuries.
The 39-year-old comes from an army background, his brother is in the Indian Navy, and his father, Col (retd) KP Singh, is in Army Air Defence. His wife and two children have survived him.
An Mi-17V5 helicopter carrying 14 people, including the CDS and his wife, four crew members, and eight other army personnel, crashed about midday and caught fire. Local neighbours noticed the helicopter flying at a low altitude in cloudy weather before it crashed, according to officials. A Court of Inquiry has been established.
