Lone survivor of chopper crash Group Captain Varun Singh passes away

Group Captain Varun Singh, who was grievously injured during the December 8 helicopter crash which claimed the life of General Bipin Rawat and 12 others, succumbed to his injuries early on Wednesday morning.

Rushed to Indian Air Force’s Command Hospital in the city on Thursday evening, Singh was noted to be in critical condition but with 90 per cent burns and other injuries, doctors had told DH that his chances of recovery were fraught with challenges.

In a statement, the Indian Air Force said that it “offers sincere condolences and stands firmly with the bereaved family.”

"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 IAF tweeted.

With his condition not improving, the IAF had sought the medical expertise of private and government doctors.

Speaking last week, experts had noted that medical information revealing that Group Captain Singh lacked urine was a red flag. “Severe burns, especially that of 90%, results in burn shock or ‘hypovolaemia,’ which causes fluid loss in the body, leading to lack of urine,” an expert had said, adding that no urine output means renal failure which in most cases, leads to multi-organ failure.

Command Hospital doctors had also considered partial or full CT scans, among other tests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolences and said "Group Captain Varun Singh served the nation with pride, valour and utmost professionalism. I am extremely anguished by his passing away."