New Delhi: Group Captain Varun Singh, the lone survivor of the ill-fated Mi-17V5 helicopter that crashed near Coonoor on December 8, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday. Singh, the Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College was one of the 14 passengers on board the Russian-made chopper which also carried Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika and 11 other armed forces personnel. Singh, a Shaurya Chakra recipient, was undergoing treatment at Command Hospital in Bengaluru. He had suffered severe burn injuries and was on life support.
“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) said in a statement.
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
Expressing grief over his demise, PM Narendra Modi said, “I am extremely anguished by his passing away. His rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. Condolences to his family and friends.”
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
“General MM Naravane COAS & All Ranks of Indian Army pay heartfelt condolences on the demise of Group Captain Varun Singh, who succumbed this morning to the injuries sustained in the unfortunate helicopter accident in Coonoor on 08 Dec 21”, the Indian Army said in a statement.
General MM Naravane #COAS & All Ranks of #IndianArmy pay heartfelt condolences on the demise of Group Captain Varun Singh, who succumbed this morning to the injuries sustained in the unfortunate helicopter accident in #Coonoor on 08 Dec 21. https://t.co/fPmsbgn6ot
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 15, 2021
Calling him a true fighter, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said,”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.”
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. https://t.co/hZrdatjaAA
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 15, 2021
Indian National Congress also paid condolences to his family. ” We are extremely saddened by the demise of brave-heart Group Captain Varun Singh. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. A billion salutes to this brave son of Bharat Mata. May he rest in peace”, the party tweeted.
We are extremely saddened by the demise of brave-heart Group Captain Varun Singh.
Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
A billion salutes to this brave son of Bharat Mata.
May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/rH4QLTLKRO
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 15, 2021
The lone survivor of the IAF Chopper crash, Group Captain Varun Singh Ji succumbed to his injuries.
The whole nation was unitedly praying for a miracle which didn't happen.
I offer my condolences to his family and to the People of India.
ॐ शांति! pic.twitter.com/ip43Pfd4pT
— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) December 15, 2021
The officer’s father, Colonel KP Singh, had last week said that his son would come out as he is a ‘fighter’. “The best medical facility, the best experts are treating him. The prayer of the whole country is there. I am emotionally moved as a lot of people who don’t know him or are retired or serving have come to meet. Even ladies are coming saying they want to see him (Varun). That is the kind of love and affection one has got. He will come out victorious. He is a fighter. He will come out…He will come out,” he had proudly said.
Last year, Singh had a narrow escape when a Light Combat Aircraft which he was flying suffered a system failure while descending, and led to total loss of control of the aircraft. It was an unprecedented catastrophic failure that had never occurred. There was a rapid loss of altitude, with the aircraft pitching up and down viciously, going to the extremities of G limits.Soon after, at about 10,000 feet, the aircraft again experienced a total loss of control with vicious maneuvering and uncontrollable pitching. Under such a scenario, the pilot was at liberty to abandon the aircraft. Faced with a potential hazard to his own life, he displayed extraordinary courage and skill to safely land the fighter aircraft. For his high order of professionalism, composure, and quick decision-making, Singh was conferred with the Shaurya Chakra.
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