An Indian Air Force AN-32 transport aircraft caught fire after landing at Assam’s Jorhat, triggering emergency response measures. Flames and thick smoke were observed after the aircraft touched down. Airport and IAF emergency teams rushed to the scene to conduct firefighting operations.
Authorities are set to launch a detailed inquiry into the incident to determine the cause of the explosion. The AN-32, a Soviet-origin twin-engine tactical transport aircraft, has been a crucial asset for the IAF in challenging terrains. This incident has once again highlighted the aircraft’s operational history.
In a previous incident in June 2019, an IAF AN-32 carrying 13 personnel had gone missing after departing from Jorhat Air Force Station. The wreckage was later found in Arunachal Pradesh, with all personnel declared deceased. Another AN-32 disappeared in July 2016 over the Bay of Bengal while en route from Chennai to Port Blair with 29 personnel on board.
The AN-32 fleet has experienced various accidents over the years, including crashes in Arunachal Pradesh and operational incidents at military airfields. Officials have not yet issued an official statement regarding the Jorhat incident. Further updates are anticipated as rescue, assessment, and investigation operations progress.
