IAF MiG 21 crashes in Rajasthan; two dead

JAIPUR: An Indian Air Force MiG 21 aircraft crashed in Rajasthan during its flight. There were two pilots on the plane. It is learned that both of them died in the accident. The ruins of the plane were found in Bhimda village in Barmer district of Rajasthan.

District Collector, Superintendent of Police and Air Force personnel have reached the spot. According to sources, the aircraft was on its way to Baitu.

"A twin-seater Mig-21 trainer aircraft of the IAF was airborne for a training sortie from Utarlai air base in Rajasthan this evening. Around 9:10 pm, the aircraft met with an accident near Barmer. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries," the IAF said in a tweet.

The IAF also expressed deep regret at the loss of lives and said that a court of inquiry has been ordered to probe into the matter.

"IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families. A court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident," it added.

Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also spoke to Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on the crash of the fighter aircraft in Barmer.