An Indian Air Force MiG-21 fighter aircraft during a routine training sortie crashed near Bahalol Nagar of Pilibanga in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh village on Monday morning. The aircraft had taken off from Suratgarh. Indian Air Force informed that the pilot of the fighter plane ejected safely and sustained minor injuries. However, three civilian casualties have been reported till now.
An inquiry has been constituted by the IAF to ascertain the cause. Bikaner Inspector General of Police Om Prakash said that the pilot made all efforts to avert human casualties and crash-landed the plane on the outskirts of a village. Additional Superintendent of Police Jassaram Bose said the number of civilian casualties may increase.
'A MiG-21 aircraft of the IAF crashed near Suratgarh during a routine training sortie today morning. The pilot ejected safely, sustaining minor injuries. An inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident,' reads the Tweet from IAF.
Over 2,000 locals gathered at the accident spot and police. Meanwhile, administration are trying to maintain law and order.
According to sources, the Army's helicopter has reached the accident site for rescue. District Collector Rukmani Riar informed that the pilot of the plane is safe. The accident took place near Dabli area of Hanumangarh.
Additional Superintendent of Police, Jassaram Bose informed that at least two civilian casualties have been reported.
Police further informed that two civilian women died and a man was injured after the plane crashed on their house in Bahlolnagar in Hanumangarh district.
Further information is awaited.
