Panic gripped Akali Khurd village in Bathinda district on Wednesday around 2 am when an unidentified aircraft crashed in the area, just 20 km from Bhisiana Air Force Station. The impact resulted in a massive explosion, killing one person and injuring nine others.
The deceased, identified as Govind from Hisar, Haryana, had come to the village for wheat harvesting. According to eyewitnesses, Govind rushed to the crash site and was attempting to record a video when the debris suddenly exploded. He died on the spot. The nine injured were rushed to the government hospital in Goniana, Bathinda, and are reported to be in stable condition.
Explosion and Panic Follow Crash
The crash caused an immediate stir in nearby areas as a loud explosion followed by thick smoke and fire was seen rising from the field. Villagers ran to the scene, only to be met with flames and burning wreckage. Videos circulating on social media show chaotic visuals of the crash aftermath, with villagers standing near smouldering debris.
WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:
Visuals from the crash site in #Punjab‘s Bathinda where an unidentified aircraft crashed. The video of aircraft in flames was shot by locals. https://t.co/aE3rLbbWOi pic.twitter.com/iUSdP1rc8F
— Parteek Singh Mahal (@parteekmahal) May 7, 2025
1 farm labourer was killed & 9 others sustained injuries after unidentified aircraft crashed in Aklian Kalan village of #Punjab‘s Bathinda. Aircraft crashed into wheat fields, about 500mts away from inhabited area,around 2am. Authorities are tight-lipped about aircraft’s identity pic.twitter.com/dEnKTkijZW
— Parteek Singh Mahal (@parteekmahal) May 7, 2025
Army and Police Seal Off Area
Punjab Police, along with emergency response teams and fire brigades, arrived swiftly. By dawn, officials from the Indian Army and Air Force had taken control of the site. A two-kilometre radius was sealed off, and debris recovery operations began. Authorities also deployed extra police to keep civilians at bay.
So far, officials have not confirmed the aircraft’s origin or type. The timing of the incident, however, coincides with Operation Sindoor, a series of retaliatory strikes by the Indian Armed Forces targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. This has raised speculation about whether the aircraft was linked to military operations.
While several posts on social media claim the crashed aircraft was a fighter jet, no official confirmation has been issued. The investigation remains ongoing.
