Current affairs

RIP Captain Varun Singh: The sole survivor of the military chopper crash in TN passes away!

By alagu, 15 December, 2021
Bipin Rawat, Chopper Crash, Nilgiris, Tamilnadu

Captain Varun Singh, who was the sole survivor in the military chopper crash that killed Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat and 12 others, has passed away on Wednesday, nearly a week after the tragic accident that happened in Coonoor in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. The mishap occurred in the afternoon hours of December 8 when Bipin Rawat, his wife, and other officials were flying to the Defence Service Staff College in Wellington, Nilgiris.

The military chopper that was operated by the Indian Air Force had lost control and crashed on the ground with 14 people on board, including the crew members. Despite the incessant fire, the rescue teams had managed to carry out their rescue works and all the bodies were majorly charred after the accident. Hours after the accident, it was confirmed that 13 of the 14 people have died and among the deceased were General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and 11 other army officials. Their bodies were identified and later transported to Delhi where the last rites had held with full state honours. 

While 13 had died, Group Captain Varun Singh was the sole survivor of the crash and he was immediately rushed to the Army Hospital in Wellington for treatments. He had sustained severe burn injuries and was under complete observation. Later, as his condition has become critical, Varun Singh was shifted to the Command Hospital in Bengaluru from Wellington, Tamil Nadu. He was under treatment and life support for the past few days and his condition had deteriorated further and eventually, he had breathed his last on Wednesday.

The Indian Air Force has issued an official statement confirming the demise of Varun Singh. In its statement, the Indian Air Force 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." With the distressing development, all persons who travelled in the military chopper had died after the crash. 

Varun Singh was on board as the liaison officer for the visit of Bipin Rawat and he was conferred with the Shaurya Chakra Award this August for averting a possible mid-air accident after his Tejas combat aircraft developed a major technical fault last year. Several leaders and people had prayed for his speedy recovery and all had gone vain with his demise. At the time of demise, Varun Singh was the Directing Staff at the Defence Service Staff College in Wellington. 

After the accident, Varun Singh's father Colonel KP Singh has described his son as a fighter. Sadly, his fight for survival was failed and after learning about his demise, several leaders have been paying their tributes to the deceased soul and expressing condolences to his family. President Ram Nath Kovind wrote, "Sad to learn that Group Captain Varun Singh breathed his last after putting up a valiant fight for life. Though badly injured in the chopper crash, he displayed the soldierly spirit of valour and indomitable courage. The nation is grateful to him. My condolences to his family." 

In his tribute note, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "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 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."

It is pertinent to note that the Indian Air Force has ordered a tri-service inquiry into the military chopper crash and the probe is being led by Air Marshal Manavendra Singh. Along with the Air Force, the Tamil Nadu police have also been investigating the case and the police department had formed a special team following the accident and the officials have been conducting the inquiry with the eyewitness of the accident. Recently, the police had interrogated tourists who took the video of the chopper flying into its final moments. 

 

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