Indian Air Force An-32 crash in Jorhat: Three personnel sent home with full military honours

Following an Indian Air Force An-32 transport aircraft crash while landing at Jorhat in Assam, five personnel were killed. Defence officials said three sets of mortal remains were flown by IAF aircraft to Dehradun, Gaya, and Bhojpur for last rites, after full military honours at Jorhat.

Mortal remains of three Indian Air Force personnel were flown from Jorhat on Sunday. The move came a day after an An-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing there. Defence officials said the send-off followed full military honours. The aircraft was on a routine sortie when the accident happened, the IAF said.

A senior defence official said IAF aircraft carried the bodies to native places for last rites. The official said the personnel were honoured before departure. The crash killed five IAF personnel, including two Agniveers. The incident involved a Russian-designed Antonov An-32 transport aircraft.

IAF An-32 crash: Names of the deceased

The deceased were Squadron Leader Prashant Singh and Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar. The list also included Sergeant Jitendra Sharma. Two Agniveers died as well, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam. Defence officials confirmed all five names after the accident.

IAF An-32 crash: Mortal remains sent to native places

The senior defence official said three mortal remains were sent from Jorhat on Sunday. Squadron Leader Prashant Singh was flown to Dehradun in Uttrakhand. Flight Lt Shubam Kumar was sent to Gaya in Bihar. Agniveervayu Danish Alam was flown to Bhojpur in Bihar, the official added.

IAF An-32 crash: IAF statement and inquiry

The IAF issued a statement on Saturday after the crash. It offered support to families of the deceased. The IAF said it "extended deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and said it stands firmly with them in this hour of grief.\" The force also said a court of inquiry was formed.

The IAF said the inquiry will determine what caused the accident. The An-32 is a twin-engine turboprop transport aircraft. It has served the IAF for decades. The aircraft is used to ferry personnel and air-drop vital supplies. Officials said it supports missions in some of the world’s most demanding terrain.

With inputs from PTI