A transport aircraft belonging to the Indian Air Force reportedly crashed in the northeastern state of Assam, resulting in the deaths of five Air Force personnel. The cause of the accident has not yet been established.
According to media reports, an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at an Air Force station in Jorhat, Assam.
Reports indicate that the aircraft’s engine caught fire before the crash occurred within the boundaries of the airbase.
The accident is reported to have claimed the lives of five personnel on board. The Indian Air Force has reportedly confirmed the incident, while authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
The Indian Air Force stated that rescue and recovery operations were underway at the crash site.
Reacting to the incident, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his condolences and said that a report on the accident had been requested from the relevant authorities.
The AN-32 is a key military transport aircraft used by the Indian Air Force for the movement of personnel and supplies, particularly in remote, mountainous and challenging weather conditions.
The incident follows previous aviation accidents in Assam. In an earlier case, a military aircraft reportedly disappeared from radar near the border region, prompting search and rescue operations. According to reports, the aircraft had departed on a mission during the evening and last made contact with ground control at approximately 7:30 pm before communication was lost and the aircraft disappeared from radar screens.
An official investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the latest crash.
