3 villagers dead as MiG-21 jet crashes into Rajasthan home

Three people were killed and three others after an Air Force MIG-21 Fighter aircraft crashed into their home in a Rajasthan village today, officials have said.

The aircraft had taken off from the Suratgarh airbase for a routine exercise before it crashed near Pilibanga area in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh due to a technical snag.

The pilot jumped from the aircraft in time using a parachute, officials said, adding that he is reported to be safe.

The Air Force said a helicopter was rushed to rescue the pilot who sustained minor injuries during the ejection and that a probe has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the crash.

“A MiG-21 aircraft of the IAF crashed near Suratgarh during a routine training sortie today morning. The pilot ejected safely, sustaining minor injuries. An inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident,” it tweeted.

Police said a rescue operation has been launched in the area where the aircraft had crashed.