Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed while attempting to land at the Air Force Station in Jorhat, Assam on Saturday, catching fire after the accident inside the air base premises. Defence PRO Lt Col M Rawat confirmed the incident, stating that "IAF AN-32 crashes while landing at Jorhat air base" and that losses are being ascertained, with more details awaited.

The accident occurred when the AN-32 was trying to land at the Jorhat airfield, according to the IAF's official statement. After landing inside the air base, the aircraft reportedly caught fire, triggering an immediate emergency response within the airbase premises. Firefighting operations are underway at the accident site in Jorhat, with the IAF and fire department controlling the blaze after reaching the location. Senior IAF officials rushed to the area after the crash, and an investigation into the cause of the accident has been initiated.

Initial reports indicate the AN-32 aircraft went down within the Air Force Station premises, and whether there's been any casualty or not is yet to be ascertained. The pilot is feared dead, though crew members have reportedly been safely evacuated from the wreckage. The cause of the crash remains unclear, and details regarding casualties or injuries remain tentative as emergency teams assess the situation.

This marks the latest AN-32 accident for the Indian Air Force, raising concerns about the safety of the veteran transport aircraft. The Air Force has begun a formal investigation into the crash, while emergency response teams continue to control the blaze at the Rowriah airbase in Assam's Jorhat district.