Air Force jet crashes at Assam airbase, fire reported after landing
An Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft met with an accident while landing in Assam, which could have triggered a fire. With firefighting operations underway, questions remain over casualties and what led to the incident.
by Shivani Sharma, Anupam Mishra, Purna Bikash Bora · India TodayIn Short
- Initial reports suggested the aircraft caught fire after landing
- Senior IAF officials at the site, casualties unconfirmed
- Cause of accident and crew status yet to be disclosed
An Indian Air Force AN-32 transport aircraft met with an accident while landing at an airbase in Assam on Saturday, with reports suggesting that the aircraft caught fire inside the base after touchdown. Firefighting teams were rushed to the spot, while senior IAF officials headed to the site as authorities worked to ascertain whether there were any casualties.
The incident took place at the Indian Air Force station in Jorhat.
In an initial statement, the Indian Air Force said, "Today an AN-32 of IAF met with an accident. Further update will be provided once more details are available."
FIRE REPORTED AFTER LANDING
According to initial reports, the aircraft caught fire after landing within the airbase premises. While the circumstances that led to the accident remain unclear, firefighting operations were launched immediately.
"Firefighting operations are underway at the accident site in Jorhat," IAF officials said.
CASUALTIES YET TO BE ASCERTAINED
A defence spokesperson said the incident occurred while the aircraft was landing at the IAF airbase in the Rowriah area.
"Senior IAF officials have rushed to the area, and casualty, if any, is yet to be ascertained," the spokesperson said.
There was no immediate information on the condition of the crew members or the extent of damage to the aircraft.
MORE DETAILS AWAITED
The cause of the accident has not yet been disclosed. The Indian Air Force is expected to provide further details after an initial assessment of the incident is completed.
- Ends