The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday confirmed the deaths of five personnel in the AN-32 transport aircraft accident at Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam, describing their deaths as a "supreme sacrifice in the line of duty."
The deceased were identified as Squadron Leader Prashant Singh, Flight Lieutenant Shubham Kumar, Sergeant Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam.
In a statement, the IAF said, "The Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of five personnel in the AN-32 accident at Jorhat, Assam. They made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty," while extending its deepest condolences to the bereaved families.
The accident occurred on Saturday morning during a routine sortie when the AN-32 transport aircraft met with an accident while approaching the runway at the Rowriah airfield inside Jorhat Air Force Station.
According to the IAF, the incident took place at around 10 a.m. Shortly after touchdown, the aircraft reportedly burst into flames, triggering an immediate emergency response from Air Force and airport firefighting teams.
The Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of five personnel in the An-32 accident at Jorhat, Assam.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 13, 2026
Sqn Ldr Prashant Singh, Flt Lt Shubham Kumar, Sgt Jitendra Sharma, Agniveervayu Khemaram Kumawat and Agniveervayu Danish Alam made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.… pic.twitter.com/9SmOjtS5mU
"An IAF AN-32 aircraft met with an accident during a routine sortie today at approximately 1000h at Jorhat, Assam. Crash site management and initial enquiries are on at this time. IAF requests everyone to refrain from speculation till preliminary results are in," the force said in an earlier statement.
Defence officials later confirmed that all five personnel on board lost their lives in the accident.
The IAF expressed grief over the tragedy, stating that it stands firmly with the bereaved families during this difficult time.
A detailed investigation is expected to be ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident. Technical experts and Air Force authorities are examining the crash site while initial enquiries remain underway.
Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed condolences over the loss of the five IAF personnel.
Kharge wrote on X, "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of five bravehearts in the Indian Air Force aircraft crash in Assam. My heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones in this moment of grief. We salute their service and selfless sacrifice, and will forever remain indebted to them and their families."
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also mourned the deaths, saying, "The news of the martyrdom of five brave soldiers in an Air Force plane crash in Assam is deeply saddening. May God grant peace to the departed souls. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families."
She added, "The nation will forever remain indebted to our brave soldiers and their families."
