2 pilots killed as IAF Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Rajasthan's Churu
IAF said a court of inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident
A Jaguar aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in Rajasthan's Churu district on Wednesday (July 9). The aircraft crashed in an agriculture field in Bhanoda village around 1.25 pm, SHO Rajaldesar Kamlessh said.
Both pilots were killed in the crash, the IAF said in a post on its X (formerly Twitter) handle.
"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 in the accident. No damage to any civil property has been reported. IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief. A court of inquiry has been constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident," IAF said.
Rescue and relief
Rajasthan police have cordoned off the accident site and rescue operations are underway. A team from the Rajaldesar police station rushed to the spot first. Emergency services and local administration are also at the spot now for relief efforts.
Eyewitnesses told media persons that a loud explosion was first heard. This was followed by plumes of black smoke. Severely mutilated body parts have been found near the wreckage, said police. Neither the IAF nor the Defence Ministry has put out an official statement as yet.