Jorhat, Assam: An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft crashed during a landing attempt at the Jorhat Air Base in Assam on Saturday, triggering an immediate emergency response at the site. The condition of the crew members onboard was not officially confirmed till the latest reports came in. According to preliminary information, the military transport aircraft met with the accident while approaching the runway at the Rowriah Airport facility, which also serves as the Jorhat Air Force Station. Soon after the crash, rescue and firefighting teams rushed to the scene to control the situation.

Videos and images from the airbase showed thick smoke rising from the wreckage as emergency personnel secured the surrounding area. Officials have not yet disclosed the exact number of crew members onboard the aircraft. Some early media reports suggested that casualties were feared, including possible injuries to the pilot, but defence authorities are yet to release an official statement confirming the details.

The Indian Air Force is expected to launch a formal investigation into the incident. Technical failure, landing complications, or operational issues are likely to be examined as part of the inquiry. The AN-32 aircraft has been a crucial part of the IAF’s transport fleet for decades and is widely used for logistics operations, troop movement, and supply missions, especially in remote and high-altitude regions.

The crash has once again raised concerns about the operational risks associated with ageing military aircraft. In recent years, multiple incidents involving AN-32 aircraft have drawn attention to maintenance and safety challenges faced by the fleet. Further details are awaited as rescue operations and assessments continue at the crash site.