1 Pilot Dead As Fighter Jets Crash Near MP's Morena, Inquiry Ordered To Probe Cause: IAF

A Sukhoi-30 and Mirage 2000 aircraft crashed near Morena, Madhya Pradesh. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh was in contact with CDS Gen Anil Chauhan and IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.

The aircraft crashed in a forest in the Pahargarh development block of the Morena district in Madhya Pradesh. ( Image Source :ABP News )

New Delhi: A Sukhoi-30 and Mirage 2000 aircraft on Saturday crashed near Madhya Pradesh's Morena. Search and rescue operations were launched. The aircraft crashed in a forest in the Pahargarh development block of the Morena district.

"Two fighter aircraft of IAF were involved in an accident near Gwalior today morning. The aircraft were on routine operational flying training mission. One of the three pilots involved, sustained fatal injuries. An inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident," Ashish Moghe, Spokesperson of the Indian Air Force, said.

Two fighter aircraft of IAF were involved in an accident near Gwalior today morning. The aircraft were on routine operational flying training mission.
One of the three pilots involved, sustained fatal injuries. An inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident.

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 28, 2023

Administration and police rushed to the spot, the district administration sent a medical team and fire brigade to the spot.

#BREAKING: मुरैना में वायुसेना के दो प्लेन दुर्घटनाग्रस्त

दोनों ने ग्वालियर से उड़ान भरी थी @Sheerin_sherry | @neeraj_rajput #PlaneCrash #Sukhoi30 #Miraj2000 #IndianAirForce pic.twitter.com/oRNdCJcl4B

— ABP News (@ABPNews) January 28, 2023

Defence sources said the the Su-30 had two pilots while Mirage 2000 had one pilot during the crash. Two pilots who were rescued were taken to Gwalior for treatment.

 

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is in contact with CDS Gen Anil Chauhan and IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. He is gathering details on the crash from them. 

“Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh was briefed by the Chief of Air Staff on the crash of two aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Raksha Mantri enquired about the well-being of the IAF pilots and is monitoring the developments closely,” Defence Ministry sources told ANI.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan took to Twitter and wrote: "The news of the Sukhoi-30 and Mirage-2000 aircraft crash near Kolaras in Morena is very sad. I have directed the local administration to cooperate with the Air Force in quick rescue and relief work. I pray to God for the safety of the aircraft pilots."

मुरैना के कोलारस के पास वायुसेना के सुखोई-30 और मिराज-2000 विमानों के दुर्घटनाग्रस्त होने की खबर अत्यंत दुखद है। मैंने स्थानीय प्रशासन को त्वरित बचाव एवं राहत कार्य में वायुसेना के सहयोग के निर्देश दिए हैं। विमानों के पायलट के सुरक्षित होने की ईश्वर से कामना करता हूं।

— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) January 28, 2023

The Sukhoi-30 MKI built by India in collaboration with Russia is considered one of the most powerful fighter jets in the world.

Sukhoi 30-MKI is among the deadliest aircraft in the Air Force capable of carrying up to 12 tons of war material. This aircraft has double engines which help the pilot in case of emergency. It can fly 3,000 km at a time.

(With inputs by Neeraj Rajput)