Two personnel lost their lives after an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar fighter jet crashed in Rajasthan’s Churu district on Wednesday.
The incident took place near Bhanuda village, where the twin-seater aircraft went down during a routine training sortie. The crash occurred in open agricultural fields, and the wreckage was found scattered across a wide area.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by smoke and flames rising from the site. Local villagers rushed to the spot, while rescue and emergency teams from the IAF arrived shortly after to secure the area.
Official sources confirmed that two people were on board the aircraft. Both personnel died in the crash. Their identities have not yet been released pending official notification of their families.
Earlier reports suggested that the crew may have been injured, but later updates confirmed both fatalities.
The Indian Air Force has ordered a high-level inquiry to determine the exact cause of the crash. Technical failure or human error will be key factors in the investigation.
Fighter jets like the Jaguar have been a crucial part of India’s air defense for several decades. Designed primarily for ground attack and reconnaissance missions, they are known for their low-level strike capabilities.
However, incidents involving ageing fighter jets have raised concerns over operational safety. In recent years, the IAF has witnessed multiple crashes involving Jaguars and MiG-21s, prompting calls for faster fleet modernization.
The Indian Air Force has been working to retire older aircraft and induct newer, more advanced platforms. Safety reviews and maintenance checks have also been intensified.
More information about the crash is expected to be released once the inquiry is complete.
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