An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed and caught fire while landing at the Air Force Station in Jorhat, Assam, on Saturday morning.

According to preliminary reports, the aircraft went down within the premises of the airbase during landing, triggering a fire after the crash. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to contain the blaze and assess the situation.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, and there was no immediate information on casualties or injuries.

The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident and said further details would be shared after an assessment of the situation. An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said authorities were awaiting more information regarding the accident.

The Antonov AN-32, a twin-engine turboprop military transport aircraft, is a key component of the Indian Air Force’s transport fleet. Developed in the former Soviet Union to meet India’s operational requirements, the aircraft is designed for operations in high-altitude and tropical environments.

The AN-32 is capable of carrying up to 7.5 tonnes of cargo, around 50 passengers or 42 paratroopers, and is widely used for logistics and supply missions in remote areas.

The crash comes months after an IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a routine sortie in March, killing both pilots on board. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat Air Force Station before losing contact with ground control and later crashing in a remote hilly area.

Further details on the AN-32 crash are awaited.

Source: NDTV