Five Indian Air Force personnel were killed after an AN-32 military transport aircraft crashed while approaching an air force base in India’s northeastern state of Assam on Saturday, officials said, marking one of the country’s deadliest military aviation accidents this year.
The aircraft went down near Jorhat Air Force Station during what the Indian Air Force described as a routine sortie. Rescue teams and emergency responders were deployed to the crash site shortly after the accident, but five crew members on board were confirmed dead.
A sixth serviceman survived the crash and was taken to a military medical facility for treatment, according to local media reports. Authorities have not released details about the survivor’s condition.
The AN-32 is a twin-engine transport aircraft that has been a key part of India’s military airlift fleet for decades, particularly in remote and mountainous regions. The aircraft is frequently used to transport personnel, equipment and supplies to strategically important locations across the country.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known. The Indian Air Force said it had ordered a formal inquiry to determine the circumstances leading to the accident, including whether technical failure, weather conditions or operational factors played a role.
Images from the area showed emergency personnel working through debris scattered across a field near the air base, while security forces cordoned off the site to facilitate rescue and investigation efforts.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed condolences to the families of those killed, describing the loss as tragic and praising the service of the personnel involved. The Indian Air Force also paid tribute to the victims and said it stood with their families during the difficult time.
Military aviation accidents are relatively uncommon in India but have drawn increased scrutiny in recent years as the armed forces continue efforts to modernize aging segments of their aircraft fleet. Investigators are expected to examine flight data, maintenance records and witness accounts as part of the probe.
The identities of the personnel killed have been released by authorities, while arrangements are being made to return their remains to their families with full military honours.
The inquiry’s preliminary findings are expected in the coming weeks.
