MiG-21 Crash in Rajasthan Claims Lives of Three Civilians, Pilot Escapes Unharmed

Jaipur/New Delhi, May 8 : A MiG-21 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed into a house in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan on Monday, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of three women and injuries to three others on the ground, according to officials. The pilot sustained minor injuries during the crash, which occurred at approximately 9:45 am, as confirmed by the IAF. The aircraft was on a routine training sortie from the Air Force Station at Suratgarh in Ganganagar district, located in close proximity to Hanumangarh. An onboard emergency prompted the pilot to attempt recovery procedures, but unfortunately, the efforts were unsuccessful, leading to the pilot initiating an ejection. The pilot was safely recovered around 25 kilometers northeast of Suratgarh base, albeit with minor injuries, as stated in the IAF’s official statement. Tragically, the wreckage of the aircraft fell on a house in Bahlol Nagar, Hanumangarh district, resulting in the loss of three lives. The IAF expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and has initiated a Court of Inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. IG, Bikaner range, Om Prakash commended the pilot for their efforts to prevent further casualties, as they managed to crash-land the plane on the outskirts of a village. SP, Hanumangarh, Sudheer Chaudhary confirmed the deaths of three women in the incident, identifying them as Basho Kaur (wife of Ratti Ram), Leela Devi, and Banto Kaur. The women suffered burn injuries that proved fatal. Initial reports indicate that Ratti Ram’s house suffered extensive damage, along with some neighboring houses. Witnesses reported hearing a loud sound and seeing a parachute descending before the plane crashed onto Ratti Ram’s house, causing stored wood to catch fire. Local residents swiftly responded, attempting to extinguish the flames using water and sand. Fire brigade and police personnel arrived at the scene, and the injured women were transported to a hospital, as per a witness in Hanumangarh. Following the incident, a large crowd gathered at the site to assess the situation.