IAF Chopper Crash: Sole survivor Group Captain Varun Singh succumbs to injuries

Group Captain Varun Singh who was the sole survivor of the ill-fated military helicopter crash, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday. The Group Captain was inflicted with severe burn injuries which were being treated at the military hospital in Wellington before he was shifted to Bangalore for more advanced treatment. The Mi-17 chopper crash had killed India's first Chief of Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 other armed personnel on December 8. Group Captain Singh was present as the liaison officer for India's first CDS, Gen Rawat, who was visiting the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington with his wife and 11 other officials on board.

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Key Point:

1. In an unfortunate turn of events, India the lone survivor of the military helicopter crash on Wednesday and the country mourns the loss of the lives caused by the crash.

2. "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," the Indian Air Force (IAF) shared a tweet from its official handle.

3. In August, Group Captain Varun Singh had won the Shaurya Chakra for his courage in handling his aircraft after it was hit by major technical issues during a sortie last year. The braveheart had managed to safely land his Tejas fighter despite facing a mid-air emergency.

4. The Group Captain was on the chopper to receive General Rawat who was headed to address the faculty and students at the  Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

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5. With a heavy heart, India bid farewell to CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife as the last rites were being performed with full military honours on December 10. The IAF later shared updates on the identification of other bodies of military personals.