Jorhat, Assam: Five Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel lost their lives after an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed during a routine sortie at Rowriah Air Force Station in Jorhat on Saturday morning. The tragic accident has prompted an outpouring of grief from the Indian Air Force, Assam Police, and political leaders across the country.
The deceased personnel have been identified as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat, and Agniveervayu Danish Alam. The Indian Air Force confirmed their deaths and paid tribute to the air warriors for making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
In a statement posted on X, the IAF said, “The Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of five personnel in the An-32 accident at Jorhat, Assam. 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. IAF extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and stands firmly with them in this hour of grief.”
According to sources, the AN-32 aircraft took off from Jorhat at around 9:45 am for Chabua to conduct a paradrop sortie. Shortly after take-off, the aircraft reportedly requested permission to land back at the base. During its approach, the aircraft is believed to have veered off the runway, crossed the parallel taxiway, broken into two parts, and subsequently caught fire.
Rescue teams were immediately deployed to the crash site. Thick plumes of black and white smoke could be seen rising from the area, causing panic among nearby residents. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion-like sound moments after the aircraft went down.
In an earlier statement, the IAF said the accident occurred during a routine sortie and that crash site management procedures and preliminary investigations had been initiated. The force also urged the public to avoid speculation until the inquiry establishes the facts surrounding the incident.
Expressing solidarity with the Indian Air Force, Assam Police also issued a statement on X, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic An-32 accident at Jorhat and the loss of five brave Indian Air Force personnel in the line of duty. Our heartfelt condolences to their families and colleagues. Assam Police stands with the IAF in this hour of grief.”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also mourned the loss of the airmen, describing the incident as deeply unfortunate. In a social media post, he conveyed condolences on behalf of the people of Assam and assured that the state government remains in touch with relevant authorities and is ready to provide all necessary support.
The Soviet-origin AN-32 is a twin-engine tactical transport aircraft that has been a key component of the Indian Air Force’s transport fleet since its induction in 1984. The aircraft has played a crucial role in operations across the Northeast and along India’s Himalayan frontiers, particularly in difficult terrain and high-altitude regions.
The Jorhat crash marks the third major AN-32 accident involving the Indian Air Force in the past decade. In July 2016, an AN-32 aircraft disappeared over the Bay of Bengal while flying from Chennai to Port Blair, killing all 29 people on board. Another AN-32 crashed in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Siang district in June 2019, resulting in the deaths of all 13 personnel on board.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the latest accident, and further details are expected once the preliminary inquiry is completed.
