NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force issued statement regarding the aircraft crash happened at Jorhat, Assam stating that the crash happened at approx 1000 hours during a routine sortie. The IAF, confirmed the death of five personnel, identifying them as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam.It also said that it launched initial inquiries into the accident.In a statement posted on X, IAF said, “An IAF An-32 aircraft met with an accident during a routine sortie today at approximately 1000h at Jorhat, Assam. Crash site management and initial enquiries are on at this time. IAF requests everyone to refrain from speculation till preliminary results are not in,” IAF wrote in a post on X.It further added, “IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief. IAF will share more details as they are in.”The Air Force identified the deceased personnel as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam.In a separate post, 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.”The Air Force said efforts at the crash site were continuing while investigators worked to establish the circumstances that led to the accident.Requesting restraint in public discourse until more facts emerge, the IAF said, “IAF requests everyone to refrain from speculation till preliminary results are not in.”The force also expressed solidarity with the families of those killed.“IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief.”The IAF said further details regarding the accident would be shared as they become available.
Defence minister expresses condolences
Union defence minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his condolences to the families of the martyrs.In a post on X, the defence minister wrote, “Deeply anguished by the loss of five Air Warriors 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. Their courage and service to the nation will always be remembered with pride and gratitude. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with them in this hour of grief.”
