Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots lost their lives on Wednesday when a Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed during a routine training mission near Bhanoda village in Churu district, Rajasthan.
The crash occurred around 1:25 p.m., with the aircraft reportedly taking off from the Suratgarh air base.
The IAF confirmed in an official statement that both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident. Local police, fire brigade, and rescue teams responded swiftly, cordoning off the area and beginning recovery operations.
The IAF expressed deep regret over the loss of its personnel and extended condolences to the bereaved families. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Governor Haribhau Bagade also conveyed their sympathies and directed officials to ensure prompt relief and rescue efforts.
This marks the third Jaguar crash involving the IAF this year. Previous incidents occurred in March near Ambala, Haryana, and in April near Jamnagar, Gujarat, raising concerns about the aging Jaguar fleet’s safety record.
The IAF has announced that a court of inquiry has been constituted to determine the cause of the latest accident.
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