Indian Air Force's MiG-27 crashes in West Bengal killing two civilians

The MiG-27 aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed in Alipurduar district of West Bengal on Friday evening. Two civilians were killed in the mishap.

The aircraft was on a routine sortie and had taken off from the Hashimara airbase and reportedly crashed. While the pilot of the aircraft ejected safely, two civilians were killed.

"A MiG-27  of IAF has crashed near Alipurdwar in West Bengal at about 2030 hours.  Pilot ejected. Safe. Two civilians casualties on ground.  Court of inquiry underway to assess cause of crash. Aircraft based at  Hashimara," said an official statement from the Ministry of Defence.

SDO Samiran Mondal said the pilot suffered some injuries and was taken to the hospital.

The aircraft took off from Hasimara airbase at 8.20 pm and crashed near Alipurduar town around 8.30 pm. Due to the impact of the crash, some of the tin shades of nearby shanties were blown away.

Red Cross officials were at the site besides an IAF team.

The district police officials have rushed to the spot and the investigation is on.

With agency inputs.