A Jaguar fighter jet belonging to the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed during a routine training mission near Bhanuda village in Churu district, Rajasthan. The tragic accident claimed the lives of both pilots onboard.
🔥 Loud Blast, Fire in Fields Causes Panic
Eyewitnesses from Bhanuda village reported hearing a loud explosion around 1:25 PM, followed by flames and thick smoke rising from nearby fields. The crash led to a fire, which locals attempted to extinguish before emergency teams arrived. The wreckage was discovered in a field, and the body of one of the pilots was found nearby in severely damaged condition.
🛫 IAF Confirms Fatal Accident During Training
The Indian Air Force released an official statement:
“An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed near Churu in Rajasthan today. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries. No civil property was damaged.”
A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash.
⚠️ Emergency Response Activated
Following the crash, panic spread in nearby Ratangarh town. District Collector Abhishek Surana and senior police officials reached the site quickly to coordinate relief and containment efforts.
🙏 Leaders Express Grief
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma offered condolences over the incident.
Chief Minister Sharma posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Sad news of the crash of an Indian Air Force plane in the Ratangarh area of Churu district has been received. The administration is in alert mode, and relief and rescue efforts have begun.”
💬 IAF Mourns the Loss
The Indian Air Force expressed deep sorrow:
“The IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands with the bereaved families during this difficult time.”
