Lone survivor of the CDS helicopter crash Group Captain Varun Singh, SC also succumbs at Command Hospital

NEW DELHI (Reuters) – The only survivor of last week’s helicopter crash that killed Indian defence chief General Bipin Rawat and 12 onoard succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, Indian Air Force said.

Group Captain Varun Singh, SC was among the 14 people travelling in the Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter that burst into flames after ploughing into a hillside in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Thirteen were declared dead soon after, including General Rawat and his wife, but Varun Singh survived and was placed on life support.

“The IAF offers sincere condolences and stands firmly with the bereaved family,” it said on Twitter. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed sorrow at the death, adding, “He was a true fighter who fought till his last breath.”

Gp Capt Varun Singh was serving at the Defence Services Staff College in the cantonment town of Wellington, to which General Rawat and his entourage were being ferried in the Russian-designed Mi-17 V5 chopper that crashed around noon amid heavy fog.

Group Captain Varun Singh was honoured with Shaurya Chakra, India’s third highest medal for gallantry, on Independence Day last year for his bravery in landing a malfunctioning LCA Tejas aircraft during a test sortie.    The Indian Air Force has ordered an inquiry into the accident.