New Delhi: The health condition of Group Captain Varun Singh, the lone survivor of the Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper crash that resulted in the death of 13 people, including Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, continues to be critical but stable, said officials.
The IAF officials informed this to news agency ANI regarding Group Captain Singh, who is presently undergoing treatment at Bengaluru’s Air Force Command Hospital.
The severely injured Group Captain, admitted to Wellington’s Military Hospital after Wednesday's chopper crash, was a day later shifted to the Air Force Command Hospital for further treatment.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, as per reports, earlier had a telephonic conversation with the family members of the Group Captain, recently conferred with the Shaurya Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind for his act of exceptional gallantry, during which he inquired about his health and assured them of all help from the Centre.
The Defence Minister had earlier on Thursday said the IAF has ordered a tri-service inquiry into the chopper crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, the IAF thanked all, including police officials and locals, for their assistance in rescue operations following the “unfortunate” helicopter accident.
“IAF thanks the prompt and sustained assistance provided by the Office and Staff of @CMOTamilnadu, @collrnlg, Police officials and locals from Katteri village in the rescue and salvage operation after the unfortunate helicopter accident,” the IAF tweeted.
General Rawat was laid to rest with full military honours at Brar Square crematorium in Delhi cantonment on Friday. As per protocol, he was accorded a 17-gun salute at his funeral where 800 service personnel were in attendance.
General Rawat’s wife Madhulika Rawat and Brigadier Lakhwinder Singh Lidder were also among the 13 people killed in the chopper crash.