Guwahati, June 13: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday identified the five personnel who lost their lives in the tragic AN-32 aircraft accident at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam. The force paid tribute to the deceased, stating that they had made the “supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.”
The victims were identified as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat, and Agniveervayu Danish Alam.
In an official statement issued after the accident, the IAF expressed profound grief over the loss. “The Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of five personnel in the AN-32 accident at Jorhat in Assam. Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty,” the statement said.
The Air Force also extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. “IAF extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and stands firmly with them in this hour of grief,” it added.
According to officials, the accident occurred at around 10 a.m. during a routine sortie. The AN-32 transport aircraft reportedly met with an accident shortly after landing at the Jorhat airbase. The aircraft subsequently caught fire, prompting emergency response teams to rush to the scene.
The IAF had earlier confirmed the incident and stated that crash-site management and preliminary investigations were underway. It also urged the public to refrain from speculation until the findings of the inquiry are available.
Defence officials said technical teams have begun examining the wreckage to determine the cause of the crash. A formal Court of Inquiry is expected to be constituted by the Air Force.
The AN-32 remains a vital transport aircraft for military logistics and personnel movement, particularly in the challenging terrain of Northeast India. The Jorhat tragedy has cast a pall of grief over the defence establishment and the nation.
