What Happened in Churu? IAF Reports Loss of Two Pilots in Jaguar Crash

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tragic crash of IAF Jaguar aircraft in Churu.
- Loss of two pilots confirmed by IAF.
- Investigation underway to determine cause of crash.
- No civilian property damage reported.
- Community mourns the loss of brave airmen.
New Delhi, July 9 (NationPress) In a heartbreaking event, a Jaguar fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) went down near Bhanuda village in Rajasthan's Churu district on Wednesday, tragically claiming the lives of two pilots.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident on X, stating, "An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft encountered difficulties during a routine training mission, resulting in a crash near Churu in Rajasthan."
Shortly after the crash, social media was inundated with videos asserting that both pilots had perished. The IAF confirmed, "Both pilots suffered fatal injuries in the accident," adding that "No civilian properties have been reported damaged."
Expressing their sorrow, the IAF remarked, "We deeply regret the loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families during this difficult time."
A court of inquiry has been set up by the IAF to investigate the cause of this tragic event.
This incident marks the third crash involving the Jaguar aircraft in recent months. In April, another twin-seater Jaguar from the IAF crashed shortly after taking off from Jamnagar Airfield, resulting in one pilot's death while the other was hospitalized. Earlier, in March, a Jaguar aircraft crashed in Panchkula during a training mission, but the pilot managed to eject safely and was rescued by the IAF.
As per protocol, investigations were ordered following both previous incidents.
Eyewitnesses described the scene in Churu, noting that the aircraft was seen plummeting from the sky engulfed in flames before crashing into a field near Charanan Mohalla on Sikrali Road.
Debris from the burning jet was scattered over a 200-foot radius, and body parts of the victims were located in various areas. Local villagers rushed to the crash site upon witnessing the incident.