An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed early on Saturday around the Air Force Station in Jorhat, Assam, and an emergency response and rescue operation was launched on the military base. The plane crashed when it tried to land at Rowriah Air Force Station in northeastern India, one of the IAF’s key bases in the area.
Early reports suggest a Russian-made AN-32 transport aircraft was on the runway at the time of the crash. The plane crashed close to the airbase, officials said. Thick plumes of smoke rose from the aircraft site, forcing emergency and rescue teams on the base to respond immediately.
Images and video posted on social media also showed smoke billowing from the crash scene as security personnel and emergency workers rushed to the scene. Witnesses said firefighting vehicles and rescue teams were on the scene within 20 minutes of the crash in a desperate attempt to respond and help anyone who was inside.
Early reports also indicated that the aircraft caught fire after the crash, which was a hazard for rescue teams. Firefighting teams were immediately called out to put the flames out and secure the area for investigators and rescue workers.
Until now, the Indian Air Force has not officially confirmed the number of people on board the aircraft or whether there are casualties or injuries. The crew, passengers and the condition of those involved will be known after a preliminary assessment of the incident, the officials said.
The AN-32 is a twin-engine military transport aircraft commonly used by the Indian Air Force for logistics, troop movement, cargo transport, and operations in challenging terrains, especially high-altitude and remote areas. The aircraft has been part of the IAF fleet for decades and is still an important part of India's military transport capabilities.
Following the crash, military authorities cordoned off the area and launched a full-scale rescue and recovery operation. Medical emergency services were put in place at the scene to ensure the safety of all involved, and security personnel were quickly and thoroughly involved in order to protect all involved.
Investigators will look into a lot of the details regarding the incident, including weather, aircraft performance, maintenance records, and operating procedures during the landing approach. A more detailed investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the accident.
The crash has drawn much attention because of Jorhat’s strategic importance as a major airbase supporting military operations in the northeastern sector. Military aircraft fly under very high pressure, and investigations are needed to determine the reasons for these incidents and prevent them from happening again.
The Indian Air Force will issue an official statement once more information is available. Until then, rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing at the crash site, and the extent of the damage and the circumstances surrounding the accident are being evaluated.
