A tragic accident at an Indian Air Force base in Assam claimed the lives of five Air Force personnel on Saturday after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed during a routine mission near Jorhat. One crew member, the co-pilot, survived the crash and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed that the aircraft met with an accident at around 10:00 am while operating from the strategically important Roureah Air Force Station in Jorhat. Following the incident, emergency response teams were immediately deployed, and a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash.
Five Air Warriors Lose Their Lives
The personnel who lost their lives in the accident have been identified as:
- Squadron Leader Prashant Singh
- Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar
- Sergeant Jitendra Sharma
- Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat
- Agniveervayu Danish Alam
Paying tribute to the fallen personnel, the Indian Air Force said they made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty and expressed deep condolences to their families.
Defence Minister Expresses Grief
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, describing the deceased personnel as brave air warriors who served the nation with dedication and courage. He said their sacrifice would always be remembered with pride and gratitude.
Crash Occurred Within Air Base Premises
According to initial reports, the AN-32 aircraft was flying from Arunachal Pradesh to Jorhat when the accident occurred. The aircraft crashed within the premises of the air base, which plays a crucial role in military logistics and operations across India’s northeastern region.
Eyewitnesses living near the base reported seeing thick black smoke rising from the crash site. One resident said a powerful explosion followed shortly after the aircraft came down, shaking the surrounding area.
Investigation Underway
The exact cause of the crash remains unknown. The Indian Air Force has urged the public to avoid speculation until preliminary findings are available.
The AN-32 has been a key transport aircraft in the IAF fleet for decades, supporting logistics, troop movement, and supply operations, especially in challenging terrains such as the Northeast and high-altitude regions. Despite its long service record, the aircraft has been involved in multiple accidents over the years, prompting continued focus on operational safety and maintenance.
Authorities are now awaiting the findings of the Court of Inquiry, which will examine all aspects of the incident to determine what led to the fatal crash.