Daijiworld Media Network - Jorhat
Jorhat, Jun 13: An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed and caught fire while landing at the Air Force Station in Jorhat on Saturday morning, triggering an emergency response within the military base.
According to initial reports, the aircraft went down inside the Air Force Station premises during landing and burst into flames following the crash. Emergency teams were rushed to the site to contain the fire and assess the extent of the damage.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident and said further details would be shared after a complete assessment of the situation. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, while information regarding casualties or injuries was not immediately available.
Visuals from the area showed thick smoke billowing from inside the Air Force Station as firefighting and rescue operations continued.
An investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances that led to the accident.
The Antonov AN-32, a twin-engine turboprop military transport aircraft, is one of the key workhorses of the Indian Air Force. Designed for operations in high-altitude and tropical conditions, the aircraft is extensively used for transporting personnel, cargo and carrying out supply missions in remote regions.
The incident comes just months after a fatal IAF accident in Assam. On March 5, a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in the hilly terrain of Karbi Anglong after taking off from Jorhat Air Force Station for a routine sortie, resulting in the deaths of two pilots.
Further details on the AN-32 crash are awaited.