- Fire erupts on Indian aircraft carrier
- Navy officer participates in firefighting efforts
- The 30-year-old dies due to inhaling fumes and smoke
Dubai: Indian Lieutenant Commander DS Chauhan didn’t think twice before putting his life at risk fighting a fire that erupted on the Indian Navy’s solitary aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.
He died trying to save those onboard.
Despite his efforts, the 30-year-old, newlywed died due to the fire and now, he is being praised as a hero.
According to a report by newspaper, the Times of India, a fire erupted in the engine room of INS Vikramaditya. The ship was entering the Karwar base in Karnataka after a deployment in the Arabian Sea on Friday, April 26.
An officer said that Chauhan fell unconscious due to inhaling fumes and smoke as he participated in the firefighting efforts. He was immediately taken to the naval hospital INHS Patanjali at Karwar, however did not survive, according to the report.
Further investigation into how the fire occurred is under process.
Social media users are highlighting Chauhan’s bravery, with hundreds sharing his picture and calling him a national hero.
Journalist and Twitter user @shreyadhoundial appreciated the selfless act: “He is 30. Just Married. Yet when a fire broke out onboard #INSVikramaditya he put duty before self, entered a smoke filled engine room and led the firefighting effort. He saved his ship and 1500 mates on board but lost his life in the process. #Rip Lt Cdr DS Chauhan.”
Whereas, user @koolvinit_india expressed his grief for the officer’s relatives: “Had married just last month. Was 30 years old. Heartbroken for the family of Lt Cdr DS Chauhan who died fighting a fire on board #INSVikramaditya on Friday.”
The official Twitter account of the Indian Navy, @indiannavy, confirmed the news of Chauhan passing away and paid tribute to the officer in series of posts: “It is with profound grief and regret that we report the sad and untimely demise of Lieutenant Commander DS Chauhan, a young colleague and a brave brother-in-arms, onboard INS Vikramaditya. He laid down his life fighting a fire in a machinery compartment.”
The entity also confirmed that due to Chauhan’s efforts, the ship’s fighting ability was preserved and no major damage was caused to the aircraft carrier.
