Civilian dies as MiG-27 crashes in north Bengal

However, the pilot of the crashed fighter ejected safely. The accident occurred around 11 am when the aircraft, shortly after its takeoff from the Hashimara airbase in North Bengal at 10:30 am, crashed in Jorepukhri under the jurisdiction of Moinaguri police station.

The aircraft, which broke into several parts before hitting the ground, went up in flames and the wreckage was scattered over a radius of 500 metres having human habitation. One of the flying parts hit a house, killing one Bholendranath Roy.

Of the 16 injured, five are reported to be in a critical condition. Four seriously injured have been admitted to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri while the others are being treated at Jalpaiguri District Hospital. Seven of the injured were minors.

The pilot, Squadron Leader Saket Verma, had a narrow escape as he ejected safely, IAF spokesman Ranjib Sahoo said. According to him, the pilot had flown from the Hashimara airbase on a routine sortie, but landed at the Saptibari High School playground, about 10 km from the crash spot. He was given first aid at the Saptibari primary health centre. The aircraft had lost contact with the air traffic control at Hashimara before it crashed.

Hashimara is under the administrative control of the Eastern Air Command. “The air force has ordered a court of inquiry into the incident,” Sahoo said.