Fighter jet of Indian Air Force crashes in Rajasthan’s Churu, thick smoke engulfs crash site as aircraft burns completely
by Utsav RoyA fighter jet belonging to the Indian Air Force reportedly crashed in an open area. Dense smoke billowed from the site, with the aircraft extensively burnt and charred after the accident.
The incident occurred near Bhanuda village, Ratangarh, in Churu district, in northern India’s Rajasthan, on July 9.
Visuals show that an IAF fighter jet is seen crashing in an open field, with intense flames blazing and various wreckage of the aircraft scattered around the field. Seeing this, nearby people rushed to the scene.
According to reports, a twin-seater aircraft, reportedly an Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jet, crashed in an open field near Rajaldesar village in Rajasthan’s Churu district. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the site, and visuals from the scene show the aircraft completely burned and shattered.
Rescue teams have reached the location, while IAF has deployed helicopters to assist in the ongoing relief operations. The jet was participating in a training exercise and had taken off from Suratgarh Air Base with two pilots on board.
Officials from Rajasthan Police confirmed that both occupants, including the pilot, lost their lives in the incident. The exact cause of the crash and the full extent of the damage remain under investigation.
The pilot, engaged in a training sortie, reportedly chose not to eject in an effort to prevent the jet from crashing into a populated area, a decision that ultimately cost him his life.
So far, no official statement has been released by the Indian Air Force regarding the incident. Details concerning the pilot’s identity and the technical reason behind the crash are still awaited.
Churu Superintendent of Police Jai Yadav stated, “The crash took place in Bhanyuda village under Rajaldesar police station limits. Two people have been confirmed dead. Police teams have reached the site, where heavily damaged body parts were discovered near the wreckage.”
This tragic event marks the third Jaguar fighter aircraft crash involving the IAF since March 2025. On March 7, a Jaguar crashed in Haryana’s Morni Hills shortly after taking off from Ambala Air Base, though the pilot safely ejected. Another crash occurred on April 2 in Gujarat, claiming the life of one of the two pilots onboard.