Victims include a Squadron Leader, Flight Lieutenant, Sergeant and two Agniveervayus; Air Force launches Court of Inquiry into the fatal accident
Jorhat: Five Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel were killed after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed during a routine operational sortie at the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on June 13.
The deceased have been identified as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam. The aircraft’s co-pilot survived the crash and is undergoing medical treatment.
According to the IAF, the accident occurred at around 10 am while the aircraft was operating from the Jorhat air base. Preliminary reports suggest the AN-32 went down while attempting to land before catching fire within the station premises.
In an official statement, the IAF said, “An IAF AN-32 aircraft met with an accident during a routine sortie today at approximately 1000h at Jorhat, Assam. Crash site management and initial enquiries are on at this time. IAF requests everyone to refrain from speculation till preliminary results are not in.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief over the tragedy, stating that he was “pained by the loss of 5 brave Air Warriors.” He offered condolences to the bereaved families and said the Assam government is coordinating with the concerned authorities and stands ready to provide any necessary assistance.
The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the cause of the crash. Officials said initial investigations and crash-site management operations are currently underway.
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