2 IAF fighter jets crash near Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, with one pilot dead

Digital Desk: An Indian Air Force pilot was killed after two fighter jets -- a Sukhoi Su-30 and a Mirage 2000 -- crashed near Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. While the two pilots on the Su-30 sustained minor injuries, the pilot on the Mirage died after being fatally wounded in the crash.

The remains of the damaged plane was discovered in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, and Bharatpur, Rajasthan.

Morena SP confirmed the facts, stating that a single aircraft had two pilots who were successfully recovered as well as the body parts of a third pilot were also found. 

"In the morning, two planes, a Mirage and a Sukhoi, took off from Gwalior. According to the IAF, one aircraft had two pilots and the other had one; two were safely recovered, while the body parts of the third were discovered. Some components of the jet were discovered in Bharatpur (Raj), and more information is being gathered "According to Morena SP. 

"Two Indian Air Force fighter planes were engaged in an accident near Gwalior this morning. The plane was on a typical operational flight training assignment. One of the three pilots involved died as a result of his injuries. An investigation has been launched to ascertain the cause of the crash "According to IAF.

 

Locals in Morena filmed videos of the situation, which revealed aircraft parts on the ground. Both fighter planes took off from the Gwalior Air Force base. 

The IAF has convened a court of inquiry to investigate whether the disaster was caused by a mid-air collision. 

"The two aircraft took off from the Gwalior air base in MP, where an exercise was taking place," according to sources.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh looked into the situation, spoke with IAF Chief VR Chaudhari, and is closely monitoring the situation. 

"The Chief of Air Staff briefed Rajnath Singh on the crash of two Indian Air Force planes. The defence minister inquired about the safety of the IAF pilots and is closely watching the situation "Defence sources told India Today. 

"The hypothetical mid-air collision occurred when the two aircraft were flying at high speeds in a simulated combat mission. More information would be revealed in the court of inquiry, "They added.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, offered his condolences for the tragedy and directed that rescue efforts be expedited. 

"The news of the crash of the Air Force's Sukhoi-30 and Mirage-2000 planes near Kolaras in Morena is heartbreaking. I have directed the local administration to assist with the Air Force to expedite rescue and relief efforts. I pray to God that the planes' pilots are safe "He tweeted about it. 

Morena DC Ankit Asthana stated, "Pilots have been located, and cops and local authorities are on the scene to assist with rescue efforts. Pilots were injured, but they are safe."