Guwahati, 05 March (HS): A Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft is suspected to have crashed in a remote hilly area of Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Thursday evening, according to preliminary information.

Sources said the fighter jet, which reportedly took off from the Air Force station in Jorhat, suddenly lost contact with radar around 7 pm, triggering concern among defence authorities. Soon after the aircraft went off the radar, information about its possible disappearance began circulating.

Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound from the direction of a high hill in the area at around the same time. The sound was reportedly so powerful that it created panic in nearby villages.

Eyewitnesses said the noise echoed across the hills and was clearly audible across the region. Some residents also claimed that smoke was seen rising from the suspected direction of the incident in the hilly terrain shortly after the sound was heard. However, no official confirmation regarding the crash has been issued so far.

The suspected site of the incident is believed to be located in a densely forested and inaccessible mountainous area, making it difficult for local residents to immediately reach the spot.

Meanwhile, security forces and concerned authorities are preparing to launch search and rescue operations to ascertain the exact situation. There is no official information yet regarding the condition of the aircraft or the pilot(s) on board. Authorities are verifying the details to confirm the incident.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash