Chopper crash: Lone survivor Group Captain Varun Singh passes away; politicians mourn his death

Bengaluru, Dec 15: Group Captain Varun Singh, the lone survivor of Tamil Nadu chopper crash, passed away at Command Hospital in Bengaluru on Thursday, as per news agency ANI.

Confirming the news, Indian Air Force tweeted, "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."

On December 8, the army chopper ferrying 14 including India's first chief of defence staff (CDS), his wife Madhulika Rawat crashed near Coonoor.

Thirteen of the 14 people on board the Mi-17V5 helicopter were killed, while the Group Captain was admitted to a hospital in Wellington with severe burn injuries following the crash. Later, he was shifted to Air Force Command hospital in Bengaluru for further treatment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the death of the Group Captain on Twitter. He tweeted, "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."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah mourned the death on Twitter and posted, "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."

The Group Captain was recently conferred with the Shaurya Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind for his act of exceptional gallantry.