A wave of grief swept through the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on Saturday morning after an Indian Air Force AN-32 transport aircraft met with an accident while touching down on the runway. The mishap cost the lives of five IAF personnel. The clock had struck around 10 am when, mid-landing, the aircraft suddenly burst into flames.
Flames Erupt During Landing
According to the available details, the aircraft caught fire just as it was in the process of coming down. Recognising the gravity of the situation, fire-fighting teams from both the Air Force and the airport sprang into action at once and launched emergency rescue operations without losing a moment.
The Air Force Speaks
Confirming the incident, the Indian Air Force said in its statement, “Today at around 1000 h, an IAF AN-32 aircraft met with an accident during a routine sortie at Jorhat, Assam. Investigation is in progress at the crash site. IAF requests everyone to refrain from speculation till the initial findings are out.”
In a follow-up post, the force shared the painful news of its personnel's sacrifice. The statement read, “The Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of its five personnel in the AN-32 aircraft accident at Jorhat, Assam. Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveer Vayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveer Vayu Danish Alam made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The Indian Air Force conveys its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and stands firmly with them in this hour of grief.”
The Five Who Laid Down Their Lives
Those who gave their lives in the crash ranged from a senior officer to Agniveers who had recently joined the force — Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveer Vayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveer Vayu Danish Alam.
Detailed Probe Expected
A detailed inquiry is likely to be ordered to get to the bottom of what actually caused the accident. For now, a preliminary investigation is under way, with technical experts and Air Force officials present at the crash site to piece together the sequence of events.
Defence Minister Mourns the Loss
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences over the tragic accident. He tweeted, “Deeply anguished by the loss of five Air Warriors in the AN-32 aircraft accident at Jorhat, Assam. Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam made the supreme sacrifice in the line of their duty. The nation will always remember their courage and service with pride and gratitude. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The country stands firmly with them in this hour of grief.”
