Around 2 a.m. on May 7, a loud explosion shook Akali Khurd village near Bathinda as a jet, reportedly pursued and hit by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), crashed into nearby fields. The incident claimed the life of a local labourer and injured nine others, some with serious burns.
The crash occurred roughly 20 kilometers from Bhisiana Air Force Station and drew immediate attention from villagers. While authorities have yet to confirm full details, social media footage shows the aftermath of the fiery crash.
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The incident unfolded amid escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan. Around 1 a.m., India launched airstrikes on several locations—including Sialkot, Bahawalpur, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir—as part of its “Sindoor” operation. In retaliation, the PAF responded swiftly, reportedly shooting down multiple Indian jets.
By 2:45 a.m., Pakistan confirmed it had downed two Indian aircraft, followed by a Rafale an hour later. Two more jets were claimed destroyed by 5 a.m.
The jet crash in Haryana is believed to be one of the Indian aircraft engaged by the PAF, underlining the risks of aerial combat near populated areas and further straining already volatile Indo-Pak ties.
