Assam: Locals report "loud noise and explosion" after IAF Su-30MKI crashes in Karbi Anglong district
Karbi Anglong, March 6
Following the Indian Air Force Su-30MKI jet crash in Karbi Anglong district of Assam, locals in the area reported hearing a loud explosion
They were seen using torches and lights to aid in the search. The crash site is located roughly 60 km from Jorhat.
Police personnel and Air Force Police are currently in the area, and search operations are underway.
Speaking to ANI, a local stated that they saw the plane coming down in the evening yesterday. "We heard a loud noise and an explosion... The police from the Chowki Wala police station are here. They are searching for him from the helicopter... There is no trace of the pilot. Till now, nothing has been found," he said.
Indian Air Force posted about the search operation on X, stating, "The Su-30MKI, which was on a training mission, crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, Assam, approx 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are underway," said IAF.
Earlier, the IAF said that the aircraft had lost radar contact at around 7.42 pm after taking off from Jorhat in Assam.
"An IAF Su-30 MKI is reported overdue. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat, Assam and was last in contact at 7.42 pm. Further details are being ascertained. Search and Rescue mission has been initiated," said IAF.
The Su-30MKI is a two-seater fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. The IAF has a fleet of over 200 Su-30MKIs.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartening to see the locals immediately helping with torches and lights. This sense of community in Assam is remarkable. Hope the search operation yields positive news soon.
The Su-30MKI is a backbone of our air force. While accidents happen in training, it's a serious loss. A thorough investigation is needed to understand if it was a technical fault or human error. Our pilots deserve the best-maintained machines.
Karbi Anglong is a remote, hilly area. The search must be incredibly challenging, especially at night. Salute to the resilience of our forces. The families of the pilots must be going through hell. My thoughts are with them.
We invest so much in defence. While training is essential, such frequent crashes of advanced aircraft are concerning. Hope the inquiry is transparent and leads to concrete steps to improve safety. 🇮🇳
The quick response from both IAF and local police is impressive. Losing radar contact is serious. Modern jets should have better emergency locator systems. Hoping for a miracle for the crew.
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