Madhya Pradesh: A Sukhoi-30 and Mirage 2000 aircraft crashed near Morena, Madhya Pradesh on Saturday morning. According to initial reports, the two aircraft had taken off from the Gwalior air base in Madhya Pradesh where an exercise was going on. While two pilots of Sukhoi-30 have been rescued and the pilot Wg Cdr Hanumanth Rao Sarathi suffered fatal injuries during the accident.
"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," IAF said in a statement.
"The IAF deeply regrets to inform that Wg Cdr Hanumanth Rao Sarathi suffered fatal injuries during the accident. All air warriors and the fraternity stand strongly with the bereaved family," it added.
IAF court of inquiry will establish whether there was a mid-air collision or not. The Su-30 had 2 pilots while Mirage 2000 had one pilot during the crash. Initial reports suggest 2 pilots are safe. An IAF chopper is reaching the location of the 3rd pilot soon, say Defence sources.
"Going to the accident site with SP. The whole area has been cordoned off. Local administration is on the spot. Fire brigade vehicles have been dispatched, said DM Morena.
According to reports, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is constantly taking updates from the CDS and the Air Chief about the crash. Defence Ministry sources, “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.”
Taking the stock of the situation, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "The news of the crash of Sukhoi-30 and Mirage-2000 aircraft of the Air Force near Kolaras in Morena is very sad. I have instructed the local administration to cooperate with the Air Force in quick rescue and relief work. I pray to God that the pilots of the planes are safe."
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