Days after the army chopper crash in Tamil Nadu, Indian Air Force Group Captain Varun Singh breathed his last on Wednesday. Singh was the lone survivor of the December 8 helicopter crash
near Coonoor that killed Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and 12 others.
The IAF officer was being treated at Bengaluru military hospital for severe burns.
Group Captain Singh was transferred from Wellington hospital, Tamil Nadu, to the Command Hospital in Bengaluru on Thursday for treatment. According to reports, Singh suffered 80-85 % burn
injuries in the crash and was said to be "critical but stable".
The officer fought for seven days and succumbed to his injuries today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after learning about the officer's demise, extended his condolences to the family.
Also Read: Who was IAF Capt Varun Singh?
"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," read a tweet by PM Modi.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, "Pained beyond words to learn of the demise of IAF pilot, Group Captain Varun Singh. 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 Mi-17V5 helicopter crash in Coonoor killed Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika, and 11 armed forces personnel.
Group Captain Singh, a decorated officer, was serving as the liaison officer for Gen Rawat, India's top military official, on his visit to the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington.
Last year, after his Tejas light combat aircraft suffered a serious technical fault, he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra in August for preventing a possible mid-air accident.