×
Skip to main content

Tuesday, 14 May 2024 | 01:58 am

|   Subscribe   |   donation   Support Us    |   donation

Log in
Register


IAF's MiG-21 crashes in Rajasthan's Barmer district, both pilots dead; Rajnath Singh dials Air Force Chief, a court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident

The Soviet-era MiG-21s were first inducted into the IAF in the 1960s. India is the world's largest operator of aircraft. However, the MiG-21s have been plagued by safety issues
 |  Satyaagrah  |  Defence
IAF's MiG-21 fighter jet crashes in Rajasthan's Barmer, both pilots dead
IAF's MiG-21 fighter jet crashes in Rajasthan's Barmer, both pilots dead

Barmer, Rajasthan: A MiG-21 Trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) reportedly crashed in the Bhimra (Bhimda) village of Barmer district in Rajasthan at about 9 pm on Thursday. The Indian Air Force confirmed that both the pilots of the ill-fated fighter jet lost their lives in the crash. One of the local reports suggested that the fighter jet was on a night training sortie.

 "Both the MiG-21 Trainer aircraft pilots lost their lives in the crash. IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families. A court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident," the IAF said in a statement.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on the crash of MiG-21 fighter aircraft in Barmer. The IAF chief briefed him on the incident in detail. Singh expressed condolences for the two Air Warriors who lost their lives in the accident.

'Deeply anguished'

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was "deeply anguished by the loss of two Air Warriors".

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also egriefssed grief over the loss of lives. "Deeply saddened to know two IAF pilots have lost their lives in the line of duty when an IAF MiG 21 trainer aircraft met with an accident in Barmer. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families. May they remain strong to bear this loss. We stand with them and share their grief," Gehlot said.

Bodies of both pilots were severely damaged, say, eyewitnesses

Visuals from the site showed flames emerging out of a crashed aircraft. The wreckage of the aircraft was spread over a radius of 0.5 km. According to eyewitnesses, the bodies of one of the pilots were completely charred, while that of the other one was severely damaged. Some of the villagers even shared disturbing visuals of the ill-fated fighter jet on social media.

At about 9 pm, the villagers heard a loud explosion, following which they informed the local administration of the mishap. The administration dispatched officials to probe the matter and provide assistance.

The Soviet-era MiG-21s were first inducted into the IAF in the 1960s. India is the world's largest operator of aircraft. However, the MiG-21s have been plagued by safety issues.

With inputs from agencies

Support Us

Satyagraha was born from the heart of our land, with an undying aim to unveil the true essence of Bharat. It seeks to illuminate the hidden tales of our valiant freedom fighters and the rich chronicles that haven't yet sung their complete melody in the mainstream.

While platforms like NDTV and 'The Wire' effortlessly garner funds under the banner of safeguarding democracy, we at Satyagraha walk a different path. Our strength and resonance come from you. In this journey to weave a stronger Bharat, every little contribution amplifies our voice. Let's come together, contribute as you can, and champion the true spirit of our nation.

Pay Satyaagrah

Please share the article on other platforms

To Top

DISCLAIMER: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The author carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing of images utilized within the text. The website also frequently uses non-commercial images for representational purposes only in line with the article. We are not responsible for the authenticity of such images. If some images have a copyright issue, we request the person/entity to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will take the necessary actions to resolve the issue.

Related Articles
Latest Shorts
JOIN SATYAAGRAH SOCIAL MEDIA

History