IAF Identifies Five Airmen Killed in Jorhat AN-32 Crash

Guwahati- The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday named the five personnel who lost their lives in the AN-32 aircraft crash at the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam, paying tribute to them for making the “supreme sacrifice in the line of duty”.

The deceased have been identified as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam.

In a statement issued a few hours after the accident, the IAF expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its personnel.

“The Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of five personnel in the AN-32 accident at Jorhat in Assam. Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty,” the statement said.

The Air Force also extended its condolences to the families of the deceased, assuring them of its support during this difficult time.

“IAF extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and stands firmly with them in this hour of grief,” it added.

The accident occurred around 10 a.m. during a routine sortie. According to officials, the AN-32 transport aircraft met with an accident after landing at the Jorhat airbase and subsequently caught fire, triggering an immediate emergency response.

Earlier in the day, the IAF confirmed the incident and said that crash-site management operations and preliminary investigations were underway. It also urged the public to avoid speculation until initial findings are available.

Defence officials said technical teams have begun examining the wreckage to determine the cause of the accident. A formal Court of Inquiry is expected to be ordered by the Air Force.

The AN-32, a twin-engine tactical transport aircraft, plays a crucial role in military logistics and troop movement, especially in the difficult terrain of the Northeast and other remote operational areas.

The Jorhat crash is among the most serious aviation accidents involving the Indian Air Force in recent years and has cast a shadow of grief across the defence community.
 

With inputs from IANS