Pakistan Air force F-16 aircraft crashes during rehearsal
A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 aircraft crashed near Shakarparian, Islamabad on Wednesday during rehearsals for the March 23 parade. Rescue teams have been dispatched towards the site of the crash. A board of inquiry has been ordered by Air Headquarters to determine the cause of accident.
The U.S.-built F-16 was taking part in rehearsals for a Pakistan Day air show and parade set to take place on March 23, according to a statement by the Pakistan Air Force.
"Rescue teams have been dispatched towards the site of the crash," the statement said, adding that "a board of inquiry has been ordered by Air Headquarters to determine the cause of accident".
The plane was carrying out routine exercises for the Pakistan Day parade when it crashed, it said, adding that the PAF has ordered an inquiry into the cause of the crash.
There was no immediate word on the fate of the pilot or co-pilot. Security forces have cordoned off the crash site.
Smoke was rising from the crash site and rescue efforts were going on to contain the fire, the statement said.
Pakistan Day or Pakistan Resolution Day, also known as Republic Day commemorates the Lahore Resolution passed on March 23, 1940 and the adoption of the first Constitution of Pakistan.
The annual military and cultural parade is organised in the capital Islamabad to commemorate the demand for a separate homeland for Indian Muslims which was made through the resolution passed by the All India Muslim League in Lahore.
Air show by the PAF is an integral part of the parade and its intensive rehearsals are organised weeks ahead of the parade day.
Traditionally, locally-made JF-17 Thunder and American F-16 feature prominently in the air show.
Last month, a trainer aircraft of the PAF crashed near Mardan. A Mirage aircraft had crashed near Shorkot city of Punjab's Jhang district the week before.
In January, two PAF pilots were killed after a training aircraft crashed near the M M Alam Base in Mianwali.
(With PTI inputs)
