Indian Air Force MiG-21 crashes in Rajasthan, leaving 2 civilians dead

On Monday morning, a MiG-21 aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on top of a house in Bahlolnagar, Hanumangarh, killing two civilians, according to local police. The pilot of the aircraft managed to eject safely, although he sustained minor injuries. with minor injuries, as confirmed by the IAF.

Following the accident, a military helicopter was immediately dispatched to the site for rescue operations, the IAF said. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation, with the Indian Air Force promising full cooperation to the local authorities.

The incident has caused shock and grief among the local community, with many expressing condolences to the families of the deceased. The Indian Air Force has also expressed deep regret over the loss of lives in the accident and has promised to extend all possible support to the affected families.

The police official said that the civilians-two women were killed and one man sustained injuries as the MiG crashed on top of their house.

The crashed aircraft had taken off from Suratgarh for a routine training sortie. The Indian Air Force has ordered a court of inquiry to ascertain the cause of the accident.

The MiG-21 fleet is on its last leg and all the remaining three aircraft from the fleet are planned to be poached out by 2025.

Earlier in January, one pilot lost his life after two IAF fighter jets – a Sukhoi-30 and a Mirage 2000 – crashed during a training exercise.

While one aircraft crashed in Morena in Madhya Pradesh, the other crashed and landed in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur.