Jorhat (Assam), 13 June (HS): Five Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel lost their lives after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed during landing at the Roraiya Air Force Station in Assam’s Jorhat on Friday. The aircraft caught fire following the crash, leading to the tragic loss of all five personnel on board.

In an official statement issued on social media platform X, the Indian Air Force expressed deep grief over the loss of its personnel. The deceased were identified as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam. The IAF paid tribute to their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed sorrow over the incident, stating that the nation would always remember the courage, dedication and service of the five air warriors with pride and gratitude. He conveyed his condolences to the families and assured them of the nation’s support during this difficult time.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing towering flames and thick smoke rising from the airbase immediately after the crash. The aircraft, reportedly attached to the IAF’s 43 Squadron, was on a routine military mission. The AN-32 is primarily used for transportation of military personnel, equipment and logistical supplies.

According to sources, the aircraft was unable to make a safe landing on the designated runway and descended onto a grassy and uneven section of the airbase. A loud explosion was heard during landing, following which the aircraft caught fire and split into two sections.

Firefighters and emergency response teams stationed at the airbase rushed to the scene and brought the blaze under control. Rescue and recovery operations were launched immediately by security and administrative authorities.

Confirming the accident, the Indian Air Force said an AN-32 aircraft had crashed in Jorhat and that a detailed investigation had been initiated. The cause of the crash is yet to be determined.

Roraiya Air Force Station in Jorhat is one of the key IAF bases in Northeast India and plays a crucial role in military air operations, logistics support and strategic missions across the region.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash