IAF’s Jaguar fighter jet crashes near Churu in Rajasthan, two bodies recovered

An Indian Air Force SEPECAT Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Churu district in Rajasthan on Wednesday, as per reports. The IAF is currently gathering further details about the incident. The aircraft reportedly taken off from Suratgarh base and crashed in an agriculture field in Bhanoda village this afternoon.

Two bodies have been recovered from the accident site, according to reports. Following the incident, the District Collector and local police officials rushed to the spot. According to villagers, they heard a loud noise in the sky, followed by flames and thick smoke rising from the fields.

The IAF and local administration are working on identifying the deceased. 

Collector Abhishek Surana and local police officers reached the site and have ordered an investigation. A rescue team from the armed forces also arrived at the location, sealed off the area, and initiated a probe. Villagers said that after the crash, fire broke out in the fields, and they tried to extinguish it themselves.

It is said that the aircraft crashed into a tree, which was completely burned due to the impact. The crash site is located in a desert area. Churu SP Jay Yadav confirmed that an Air Force jet had crashed and struck a tree, causing it to catch fire as well. Two bodies have been found at the site. The military team has reached the spot and is currently collecting the wreckage of the aircraft.

Jaguar is a France-origin attack aircraft which remains in service with the IAF. It excels in low-altitude, long-range strikes, precision bombing, reconnaissance, and even acts as a maritime strike aircraft.

More details are awaited.