New Delhi: A Jaguar fighter aircraft crashed in Jamnagar, Gujarat, during a regular training sortie on Wednesday, according to reports from PTI. There were two pilots on board at the time of the accident. One pilot successfully ejected from the jet, while the other is currently missing. A search operation has been initiated to locate him, and senior officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF) have arrived at the crash site.
“While one pilot ejected safely before the crash, the other is still unaccounted for. The aircraft caught fire following the crash. Police and firefighters have rushed to the scene and are actively searching for the missing pilot,” quoted Superintendent of Police Premsukh Delu.
After the crash, a cloud of smoke filled the air, and burning debris was spread across the ground. Residents rushed to the scene to help the injured pilots. Officials have reported that the aircraft took off from Ambala Air Force Base for a routine evening mission but underwent a system malfunction, which ultimately led to the crash. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has ordered a Court of Inquiry to analyse the cause of the accident.
