- A small aircraft crashed into a pond in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- The crash occurred behind KP College, causing panic among local residents
- Details on passengers, their condition, and crash cause remain unclear at present
A two-seater microlite aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed into a pond in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj today. The aircraft went down in a pond located behind KP College in the city, triggering panic in the area.
Locals were quick to inform the police, following which fire brigade vehicles and rescue teams were rushed to the spot. The administration has cordoned off and secured the area.
"A Microlite aircraft of the IAF, while undertaking a routine sortie, from AF Station Bamrauli near Prayagraj at 1215 hrs on 21 Jan 26, experienced technical malfunction, and was safely force landed in an uninhabited area, ensuring no damage to civil life or property," the IAF said in the post.
Currently, there is a lack of clarity on the number of people on board the aircraft, their condition, and the cause of the accident. The rescue operation is underway.
Both the pilots who were onboard the aircraft are safe, it said. "A Court of Inquiry has been ordered by IAF to ascertain the cause," it added.
Earlier this month, a small aircraft of a private airline, travelling from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela, made a crash landing 10 km before Rourkela. All six people on board - four passengers and two crew members - were reported to be out of danger following minor injuries.
"One A-1 nine-seater private flight carrying six passengers from Rourkela to Bhubaneswar has met with an accident. The passengers have sustained minor injuries and are stable. It took place at Jalda, 10 kilometres from Rourkela. By the grace of God, this is not a major accident," Jena told reporters.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Manish Shandilya said the aircraft was on a sortie towards Phaphamau and the Sangam area when its engine developed a technical snag.
