Five Indian Air Force personnel killed in AN-32 crash in Assam

Five Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel were killed when an AN-32 transport aircraft crashed in Jorhat, Assam, on Saturday morning, June 13. The aircraft caught fire after the crash.

While no information on casualties was available initially, the IAF later confirmed the deaths and released the identities of the deceased.

In a post on social media platform X, the Indian Air Force expressed deep sorrow over the loss of five personnel in the AN-32 crash in Jorhat.

The deceased personnel were identified as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat, and Agniveervayu Danish Alam. The IAF extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with them during this difficult time.

The AN-32 is considered the workhorse of the Indian Air Force. It was originally built in the former Soviet Union, tailored to India's specific requirements. Approximately 100 of these aircraft are currently in the IAF's fleet.

The AN-32 is capable of operating in adverse conditions, particularly at extremely high-altitude airbases and in hot tropical climates. It can carry up to 7.5 tonnes of cargo, 50 passengers, or 42 paratroopers and is widely used for supplying goods to remote and inaccessible areas.

Earlier in March, a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam's Karbi Anglong district, killing both pilots.

Source: NDTV