Guwahati: A Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force reportedly crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on Thursday.
According to local reports, the aircraft went down around 7.45 pm at Rangkhelan village near the Nilip block of Chakihola. The fighter jet had taken off from the Rowriah Air Force Station in Jorhat.
A statement issued by the Defence PRO in Guwahati said the jet went missing after radar contact was lost. Air Force teams were immediately launched to ascertain the facts and locate the aircraft.
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PRO Defence Kohima said an IAF Su-30MKI aircraft was reported overdue after taking off from Jorhat and was last in contact at 7.42 pm. “Further details are being ascertained. Search and Rescue mission has been initiated,” the PRO said.
Local reports stated that residents of the area said they saw the fighter jet crash on a hilltop in the evening and that according to eyewitnesses, the aircraft exploded on impact and a massive fireball was seen rising from the crash site.
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