One pilot killed after two fighter jets crash in MP, IAF orders probe

New Delhi: India’s two fighter jets crashed following a suspected mid-air collision near Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior, killing one pilot of Mirage 2000 and injuring two others of Sukhoi 30 on Saturday.

The IAF has ordered a probe to ascertain whether the crash was a result of a mid-air collision or not.

The accident took place at 5.30 am during a training exercise after both the fighter jets had taken off from the Gwalior Air Force base.

The two pilots in the Sukhoi managed to eject themselves out of the wreckage before being taken to hospital on a helicopter.

The pilot on the Mirage died after being grievously wounded in the crash.

Preliminary reports say the wreckage was found 100 kms away from the site of the crash in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur with one falling in Morena in Madhya Pradesh and the other crashed down at Bharatpur, according to the sources.

The mid-air collision took place when they were flying a simulated combat mission at very high speeds.

Confirming the accident, the IAF tweeted, "Two fighter aircraft of IAF were involved in an accident near Gwalior today morning. The aircraft were on routine operational flying training mission. One of the three pilots involved, sustained fatal injuries. An inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asked after the well-being of pilots and is monitoring the developments closely, the sources said.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said he had instructed the local administration to cooperate with the Air Force in quick rescue and relief work.