In a tragic incident, an Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam on June 13, claiming the lives of five Air Force personnel on board.
According to official information released by the Indian Air Force, the aircraft met with an accident during the landing phase.
Emergency response teams rushed to the site immediately after the crash, but the impact proved fatal for all five personnel aboard the aircraft.
The Indian Air Force identified the deceased as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat, and Agniveervayu Danish Alam.
Paying tribute to the fallen personnel, the IAF stated, “Sqn Ldr Prashant Singh, Flt Lt Shubham Kumar, Sgt Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.”
The AN-32 is a twin-engine military transport aircraft widely used by the Indian Air Force for logistics operations, troop movement, and transportation of equipment across the country, including remote and challenging terrains. The aircraft has served as a key component of the IAF’s transport fleet for several decades.
Following the accident, senior Air Force officials expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased personnel. Tributes poured in from across the defence community, with many remembering the courage, dedication, and service of the five air warriors who lost their lives while carrying out their duties.
The Indian Air Force has ordered an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. A Court of Inquiry is expected to examine all aspects of the incident, including technical factors, weather conditions, and operational procedures leading up to the accident.
The loss has sent shockwaves through the defence establishment and the local community in Assam. As news of the tragedy spread, people across the country paid their respects to the brave personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the nation.
