IAF's SU-30MKI fighter jet crashes in Karbi Anglong Hills
A fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force, the SU-30MKI, has reportedly crashed in the remote hills of the Karbi Anglong district in Assam.
According to initial reports, the aircraft lost radar contact shortly after taking off from the Air Force Station in Jorhat on Thursday evening during a routine training exercise. It is suspected that the crash occurred approximately 60 kilometers from Jorhat.
According to information released by the Indian Air Force, the last contact with the aircraft was established at around 7:42 PM after it took off from the Jorhat Air Force Station. Following the incident, a large team from the Indian Air Force, with assistance from the local administration and residents, has launched a search and rescue operation in the area.
The aircraft crash has been reported in a hilly area near Chokihola under the Nilip Block of Karbi Anglong district, close to the Assam-Golaghat district border.
Local residents said that around 7 PM, the aircraft was seen circling in the sky before a loud explosion-like sound was heard, after which the aircraft appeared to crash in the nearby Kala Pahar hills.
Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed the loss of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft crash. The Indian Air Force stated that all its personnel express their sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved families during this time of grief.
